Marco Antonio Lozoya-Ugarte, Drug Trafficking, New Mexico 2023

Drug Trafficking Ring Bust in Española, New Mexico

Marco Antonio Lozoya-Ugarte, a Mexican national, has been sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Española, New Mexico.

Lozoya-Ugarte, who entered the United States on a business visa, was found unresponsive behind the wheel of a running vehicle by officers from the Española Police Department on April 24, 2023. Initially, he provided a false name but later admitted to his true identity.

During the search of his vehicle, officers discovered a holstered handgun, a loaded rifle magazine, and an AR-15 style rifle in plain view. Further investigation revealed additional firearms, along with approximately 148 grams of methamphetamine, 22.5 grams of cocaine, 605 fentanyl pills, 204 ecstasy pills, and 6.5 grams of black tar heroin, as well as drug paraphernalia and distribution materials.

Lozoya-Ugarte pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He will serve 9 years in federal prison, with no parole available in the federal system.

Upon his release from prison, Lozoya-Ugarte will be subject to 5 years of supervised release, which will convert to unsupervised release upon his deportation from the United States.

The investigation into Lozoya-Ugarte's activities was conducted by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Española Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert James Booth II and Mark A. Probasco are prosecuting the case.

Lozoya-Ugarte's sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences for those involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations. As the fight against organized crime continues, it is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions and keep our communities safe.

The defendant's full name is Marco Antonio Lozoya-Ugarte, a Mexican national who has been sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm charges in New Mexico. The exact charges against Lozoya-Ugarte include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

The city and state where the crime took place are Española, New Mexico. The exact date of the crime is April 24, 2023. There is no fine or dollar amount associated with this case, as Lozoya-Ugarte was sentenced to prison time.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/mexican-national-sentenced-nine-years-prison-drug-trafficking