ALBUQUERQUE – Five residents of Santa Fe, N.M., were arrested earlier today based on a 16-count federal indictment charging them with Oxycodone trafficking offenses. The indictment alleges that Ashraf Nassar, 30, Phillip Anaya, 37, Krystal Holmes, 27, Sarah N. Romero, 34, and Daniel Trujillo, 31, conspired to distribute Oxycodone in Santa Fe County between Dec. 2012 and Sept. 2013.
The charges against the defendants are the result of “Operation High Desert Bash,” an investigation initiated in Jan. 2013 by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in Albuquerque, the Santa Fe Police Department and HIDTA Region III Narcotics Task Force in response to the epidemic increase in prescription drug abuse, addiction and overdose deaths in New Mexico, particularly among teens and young adults.
Oxycodone is an opioid narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine that is medically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and can be habit-forming. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine on each of the Oxycodone charges and a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the phone counts.
Additionally, two other Santa Fe residents, Clarence Cline, 64, and Stephanie DeStefano, 52, were arrested on federal marijuana trafficking charges. According to the complaint, Cline and DeStefano were arrested after officers found approximately 277 marijuana plants and 6.6 kilograms of marijuana that was being prepared for distribution in Cline’s residence and approximately 38 marijuana plants and 3.7 kilograms of marijuana that was being prepared for distribution in DeStefano’s residence.
The law enforcement agencies involved in the operation include the DEA’s El Paso Field Division, the Santa Fe Police Department, HIDTA Region III Narcotics Task Force, and the New Mexico State Police. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 7300 mg of Oxycodone, more than $1,000 in cash, and two vehicles.
The defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances in Albuquerque federal court tomorrow morning. This is a developing story, and Grimy Times will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Operation High Desert Bash primarily targeted a drug trafficking organization unlawfully distributing quantities of Oxycodone in Santa Fe County. The investigation was initiated in response to the epidemic increase in prescription drug abuse, addiction and overdose deaths in New Mexico.
RELATED: Lowell Man Joselito Santiago-Matias Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Heists
Related Federal Cases
- Texas Woman Faces 10 Years for 20 Pounds of Cocaine · Illinois
- Live Nation & Ticketmaster Face Antitrust Fight in NY · Washington
- Gerald Tanner Sentenced in Oxycodone Conspiracy · Illinois
- Randolph County Duo Face Meth Conspiracy Charges · Illinois
- Randolph County Residents Sentenced for Methamphetamine Offenses · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
ðŸâ€â€™ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking