ALBUQUERQUE, NM – David Krowner, 42, of Estancia, New Mexico, copped a plea deal today in federal court, admitting guilt to federal charges stemming from a massive drug and weapons haul. Krowner will face 12 years behind bars after pleading guilty to methamphetamine trafficking and firearms violations, with a term of supervised release to be determined later.
The bust went down back in June 2016, when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) caught wind of Krowner moving serious quantities of drugs into the Albuquerque area. A traffic stop on June 17th revealed a staggering 20.7 kilograms – 45.54 pounds – of methamphetamine crammed into a bin inside his vehicle. But the party didn’t stop there. Cops also found 1.8 kilograms of heroin, unidentified pills, steroids, two handguns, a shotgun, and enough ammunition to start a small war. They didn’t just find drugs and guns, either; they found cash – $21,750 in the vehicle and another $4,500 stuffed in Krowner’s pockets.
Krowner was initially slapped with a four-count indictment on June 30, 2016, charging him with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and using those firearms in connection with his drug trafficking operation. The feds were also looking to seize $26,250 in cash as proceeds from his criminal activity. Today’s plea centered on a felony information charging him with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm while furthering a drug trafficking crime.
During the court proceedings, Krowner admitted to the June 17th traffic stop and the discovery of the massive methamphetamine stash, eight firearms, and a mountain of ammunition. He also confessed to being a convicted felon at the time, with a prior record including a drug trafficking conviction and armed robbery. This wasn’t his first rodeo, and the feds made sure to highlight that.
Krowner remains in federal custody, awaiting a sentencing date that hasn’t been set yet. The investigation was a joint effort by HSI’s Border Enforcement and Security Taskforce, including APD officers, and APD’s Central Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Kraehe is prosecuting the case as part of a broader federal initiative focused on locking up the “worst of the worst” repeat offenders. The goal is simple: get these guys off the streets of New Mexico for as long as possible.
This case underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in New Mexico, and the commitment of federal and local law enforcement to dismantle these criminal enterprises. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, working alongside state and tribal agencies, is clearly sending a message: bring poison into our communities, and you’ll pay a heavy price.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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