Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Cocaine Trafficking

Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Cocaine Trafficking

A 24-year-old Mexican national, Miguel Angel Tinajero-Martinez, has pleaded guilty to federal methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking charges in New Mexico. Tinajero-Martinez, who was indicted under the moniker “4 Runner,” was charged with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine in Doña Ana County, N.M.

Tinajero-Martinez was arrested on February 27, 2014, and has been in federal custody since that time. On July 24, 2014, he entered a guilty plea to four felony charges, including conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

As part of his plea, Tinajero-Martinez admitted to conspiring with others to distribute three kilograms of methamphetamine in Doña Ana County from December 2, 2013, to February 27, 2014. He also admitted to distributing one kilogram of methamphetamine to an undercover agent on January 27, 2014, and two kilograms of methamphetamine to undercover agents on February 27, 2014.

Tinajero-Martinez also admitted to possessing seven kilograms of cocaine at his home in Horizon, Texas. He faces a prison sentence of not less than ten years and not more than life, and will be deported after completing his sentence.

The case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Las Cruces/Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.

Tinajero-Martinez’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the organized crime syndicates that have plagued New Mexico with methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on Tinajero-Martinez’s sentencing and deportation proceedings.

The investigation and prosecution of Tinajero-Martinez demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating the scourge of drug trafficking in our communities.

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