Fermin Artiaga, Meth Trafficking, New Mexico 2015

Fermin Artiaga, 36, Pleads Guilty to Meth Trafficking Charge in New Mexico

A California man has admitted to transporting 1758 grams of methamphetamine into New Mexico, a significant blow to the state’s fight against the illicit drug trade. Fermin Artiaga, 36, of Perris, California, pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque to a methamphetamine trafficking charge.

The plea agreement, which includes a recommendation for a 114-month prison sentence, marks a significant victory for law enforcement officials in New Mexico. The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez.

According to court documents, Artiaga was arrested in August 2015 after the DEA seized approximately 1.95 kilograms (4.29 pounds) of methamphetamine during an interdiction investigation at the Amtrak Train Station in Albuquerque. The methamphetamine was concealed in four bundles inside Artiaga’s suitcase.

Artiaga was indicted on September 10, 2015, and was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. During today’s proceedings, Artiaga pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

In entering the guilty plea, Artiaga admitted that on August 22, 2015, he transported four bundles of methamphetamine weighing an aggregate of 1758 grams in a suitcase into New Mexico on an Amtrak train. Artiaga remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

The methamphetamine trafficking charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. However, the plea agreement includes a recommendation for a significantly reduced sentence of 114 months, followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.

The guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement officials in New Mexico, who have been working tirelessly to combat the growing methamphetamine epidemic in the state. The case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of methamphetamine trafficking and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Eddie Leo Wyatt, Methamphetamine Trafficking, New Mexico 2015

Dec 1, 2016

Drug Trafficking

Odarious Shaw, Fentanyl Trafficking, Alaska 2023

Aug 15, 2023

Drug Trafficking

Marc Henry Johnson, Accessory After the Fact, New York 2016

Mar 21, 2017

Drug Trafficking

Anthony Esposito, Fentanyl Trafficking, Connecticut 2020

Feb 9, 2021