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Methamphetamine Distribution Ring Busted in New Mexico
A major blow was dealt to the methamphetamine trade in New Mexico with the dismantling of a Clovis-based drug trafficking organization.
According to the indictment, between October of 2022 and December of 2023, Jose Badillo-Hernandez, 51, of Clovis, Rebecca Chavez, 39, of Portales, Joseph Sandoval, 50, of Clovis, his sister, Michelle Sandoval, 52, of Ruidoso Downs, William Voges, 53, of Ruidoso Downs, Daniel Perez, 53, a citizen of Mexico, and Manuel Pinon-Duran, 47, a citizen of Mexico, conspired to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine in Curry, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Cibola Counties.
A 6-count indictment against the 7 alleged drug traffickers was unsealed following a coordinated, multiagency enforcement operation in Clovis and Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico. During the federal arrests, agents seized six firearms and several kilograms of methamphetamine. Federal agents also assisted with the arrest of over 40 fugitives on state warrants.
According to the indictment, the defendants face sentences of at least 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with the assistance of the Region V Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, and New Mexico State Police. The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Hirsch and Raquel Ruiz-Velez are prosecuting the case.
A criminal indictment is only an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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