James Cangro Sentenced for Drug & Firearms Trafficking in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE – James Casady Cangro, a former member of the Soldiers of Aryan Culture prison gang and a key figure in a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug and firearms trafficking ring, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegal firearms in Albuquerque.

Cangro, 45, was identified as a pivotal figure in the white supremacist network before dropping out of the gang. An 18-month FBI investigation targeted his drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy, linking it to the Sinaloa Cartel and racially motivated violent extremist groups.

In September 2021, a search of Cangro’s residence uncovered a ballistic vest, methamphetamine pipes, anabolic steroids, and handcuffs. Cell phone evidence confirmed his activities in drug and firearm trafficking.

On April 19, 2022, Cangro was arrested in California with 45 fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. His Albuquerque residence yielded 11 firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, more drugs, and a ballistic vest. Cangro pled guilty to multiple counts, including possession of body armor by a violent felon and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and FBI Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell announced the sentence today. The Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Mysliwiec prosecuted.