Albuquerque Man Indicted on Fentanyl Trafficking Charges

Jose Magana Garcia, a Mexican national unlawfully present in the United States, has been indicted on federal charges following a DEA investigation that uncovered a large-scale narcotics trafficking operation in Albuquerque.

According to court documents, on August 13, 2025, DEA agents conducted an undercover operation in Albuquerque in which Garcia was identified as a fentanyl trafficker and source of supply. During the operation, Garcia delivered approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover officer through intermediaries.

Agents later tracked Garcia to an apartment in northeast Albuquerque where surveillance showed him conducting suspected drug transactions and using counter-surveillance driving tactics.

On August 27, 2025, agents executed a search warrant at the apartment and found Garcia inside. The search uncovered large quantities of narcotics concealed in a couch, including more than 8 kilograms of fentanyl pills, over 4 kilograms of heroin, and nearly 35 grams of methamphetamine.

Agents also recovered packaging materials and prepackaged doses consistent with drug distribution.

Garcia is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Bureau and the Laguna Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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