LAS CRUCES, NM – Six individuals linked to the notorious “Cruces Boys” gang are off the streets following a coordinated takedown by federal and state law enforcement. The arrests, announced this morning, stem from a long-term investigation into the gang’s alleged cocaine distribution network operating in and around Las Cruces, New Mexico. Authorities also seized a cache of 25 firearms during the operation, signaling the dangerous nature of this criminal enterprise.
Those arrested include 29-year-old Joshua Randall Garcia (aka ”Flu,” “Flu Diggs”); 35-year-old Rahiem Harris; 23-year-old Estevan Carreon; 29-year-old Olajuwan Calhoun; 29-year-old Nate Nordorf; and, 21-year-old Jalen Bishop. Carreon was apprehended in Farmington, NM, while the remaining defendants were taken into custody in Las Cruces. All six remain in federal custody, awaiting initial appearances in court expected tomorrow.
Federal criminal complaints unsealed today accuse the defendants of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The investigation, spanning from July 2016 until last month, alleges that the “Cruces Boys,” under the leadership of Joshua Garcia, flooded the Las Cruces area with both cocaine and crack cocaine. Garcia, facing charges involving more than 500 grams of the drug, could receive a sentence of between five and 40 years in federal prison if convicted. The remaining defendants, charged with possessing less than 500 grams, face up to 20 years behind bars.
“An operation this large and complex required the coordination of many agencies,” stated Terry Wade, Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque Division of the FBI. “I am proud of how well this team of federal, state and local law enforcement professionals worked together to make our community safer.” Will R. Glaspy, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s El Paso Division, added, “Our communities deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by drug gangs. Today’s enforcement operation represents our continued commitment…to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
The bust was the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation involving a wide array of agencies: the FBI, DEA, Las Cruces Police Department’s Gang Unit, New Mexico State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Support was also provided by the Metro Narcotics Unit, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Unit, and the New Mexico Army National Guard.
OCDETF’s primary goal is to dismantle major drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering operations. It is crucial to remember that these are merely charges, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the streets and the courts.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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