ESPAÑOLA, NM – Marco Antonio Lozoya-Ugarte, a Mexican national, is headed to federal prison for nine years after a shocking discovery during a routine traffic stop in Española. Lozoya-Ugarte was found passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle, but the slumber quickly turned into a federal case when officers uncovered a frightening arsenal and a significant quantity of narcotics.
The incident unfolded on April 24, 2023, within the exterior boundaries of Santa Clara Pueblo. Española Police Department officers initially approached Lozoya-Ugarte, who had entered the United States on a business visa, finding him unresponsive. The situation escalated rapidly. A holstered handgun was immediately visible on his hip, and a loaded rifle magazine was found inside the vehicle. An AR-15 style rifle was in plain sight, hinting at a far more dangerous situation than a simple traffic violation.
A subsequent, thorough search of the vehicle and Lozoya-Ugarte revealed the full extent of the operation. Authorities seized approximately 148 grams of methamphetamine, 22.5 grams of cocaine, 605 fentanyl pills, 204 ecstasy pills, and 6.5 grams of black tar heroin. Drug paraphernalia and materials indicating intent to distribute were also recovered, solidifying the charge of drug trafficking. Lozoya-Ugarte initially attempted to mislead officers, providing a false name before eventually admitting his true identity.
Lozoya-Ugarte pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The lack of parole in the federal system means Lozoya-Ugarte will serve the full nine-year sentence. Following his release, he will face five years of supervised release, which will ultimately transition to unsupervised release upon his deportation from the United States.
“This sentencing sends a clear message,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Those who seek to profit from poisoning our communities and arm themselves in the process will face the full force of federal law.” Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations in New Mexico.
The case was investigated by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with crucial assistance from the Española Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert James Booth II and Mark A. Probasco are prosecuting the case, ensuring that Lozoya-Ugarte is held accountable for his crimes and that the streets of Española are a little safer. This bust underscores the ongoing battle against the flow of narcotics and illegal weapons across the border and into our communities.
Related Federal Cases
- Smith Gets 10 Years for Stolen Gun Stash · New Mexico
- Farmington Meth Dealer Brandon Smith Gets 5 Years · New Mexico
- Albuquerque Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty to Cocaine, Money Laundering · New Mexico
- Carlsbad Felon Christopher Reza Gets Ten-Year Penalty for Narcotics & Gun Law Violation · New Mexico
- Las Cruces Gunman Gets 20 Years for Violation of Federal Firearms Laws · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
