ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Rosa De Santiago, 48, of Sunland Park, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for her role in a sprawling drug trafficking and international money laundering conspiracy.
The DEA-led investigation uncovered a Mexican drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for importing and distributing massive amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine across several states. Santiago was one of 22 defendants charged following the probe, which resulted in seizures of over 100 kilograms of drugs and $102,000 in currency.
De Santiago pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in July 2018, admitting to distributing methamphetamine and heroin while also plotting international money laundering schemes. She is the last defendant in custody to be sentenced, with one remaining fugitive.
Upon her release, Santiago will face an additional five years of supervised release. The DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, and Hatch Police Department collaborated on the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Selesia L. Winston and Sarah M. Davenport.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program has been instrumental in dismantling major drug trafficking organizations like this one. The New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative, launched to combat the opioid crisis, has also played a pivotal role in law enforcement efforts.
Under the HOPE Initiative, prevention, treatment, reentry programs, and strategic planning are key components aimed at curbing drug-related crime. The initiative’s focus on targeting major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations has been particularly effective in this case.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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