ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office has uncovered and is working to dismantle a drug trafficking network surrounding the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, New Mexico.
In a sweeping operation targeting drug trafficking in New Mexico, the FBI Violent Gangs Task Force (VGTF) and the U.S. Marshals Service executed a coordinated series of raids this week, focusing on a criminal enterprise connected to the CCCC in Milan, NM. Assisted by the New Mexico State Police and Core-Civic Intelligence, the operation led to multiple arrests, significant seizures, and new indictments against individuals believed to be involved in an intergang conspiracy spanning both incarcerated and non-incarcerated members.
Not all details are available, the Cibola Citizen will update readers as more information surfaces.
Multi-City Raids
On Wednesday, October 30, federal agents executed a series of coordinated raids across New Mexico, striking at the heart of an alleged drug trafficking network with ties to the Cibola County Correctional Center. The FBI Violent Gangs Task Force, working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, conducted searches at 13 locations in various cities, targeting individuals suspected of managing or supporting the illicit operation both inside and outside the correctional facility.
The raids, spanning from Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Grants, Gallup, and Crownpoint, led to the arrest of six people and the seizure of a significant cache of illegal items. Federal agents confiscated 15 firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, 23 cell phones, and $6,000 in cash.
Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, multiple search warrants were executed at known addresses tied to the drug trafficking network, leading to significant arrests and seizures. At 417 Monte Alto Place NE, agents arrested Nora Baca, who now faces charges for possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, along with firearm-related charges. Authorities believe Baca played a central role in the distribution network, coordinating drug trafficking activities from her residence.
At another Albuquerque address, 2331 Menaul Boulevard NE, federal agents arrested Johnny Valiterra (known as “Chopper”) and Richard Porras (known as “Deuce”), suspected of participating in coordinated gang activities. The two were allegedly involved in the broader conspiracy to transport and distribute narcotics within New Mexico.
Meanwhile, agents at 4903 Rincon Road NW detained Angelo Garcia, who was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and a related firearm offense. Garcia faces a potential sentence of up to 45 years if convicted on the current charges. In addition to these arrests, agents seized firearms, ammunition, and other evidence from multiple residences throughout Albuquerque, which officials believe were used to support the gang’s network.
Los Lunas
In Los Lunas, agents focused on the residence of Desiree Benavidez at 3 Jose P Sanchez Road, where the situation quickly escalated. Inside the home, three armed felons were found, each with a history of violent crime and gang activity. Among those taken into custody was Jacob Gonzales, also known by his alias, “Trigger.” Recently released after serving a 22-year sentence for felony murder-related charges, Gonzales was arrested on federal complaints of firearm and ammunition possession. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. Two other felons, Raymond Lucero and Nadine Gonzales, were also arrested on firearm possession charges, underscoring the operation's reach into violent criminal circles in Los Lunas.
Gallup
At 200 E. Jefferson Avenue in Gallup, agents executed a search warrant at the residence of Ana Romero, where they reportedly gathered evidence connected to the drug trafficking operation. While no immediate charges were specified in the information available, authorities believe Romero’s residence was a key point in the network for distributing narcotics in the Gallup area. The operation’s reach into Gallup highlights the network’s presence across the state, even in smaller communities. Grants
In Grants, agents acted on information linking Monique Gallegos and David Hicks to the trafficking network, executing a search warrant at their residence at 7 Hughes Blvd. Hicks was arrested and charged during the raid, although specific details of the charges against him remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, Emmanleen Chavez was apprehended at the same address on a state warrant for attempted murder. The operation overlapped with violent offenses beyond drug trafficking alone.
Crownpoint
The residence at 8 Red Mesa Housing in Crownpoint, occupied by Kimberly Perry and Kelly Perry, was also identified in the investigation as a significant point in the drug trafficking network. Federal agents seized evidence potentially linking the Perrys to the conspiracy, although further details on their role remain limited. The Crownpoint raid indicates the trafficking network’s reach into rural areas and suggests that the operation involved both urban and remote distribution points to serve its illicit activities across New Mexico.
Organized Crime and Contraband
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the charges reflect a coordinated, comprehensive approach addressing criminal enterprises operating within federal facilities.
According to U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez, the Department of Justice aims to prevent exploitation within the correctional system by leveraging technology, enforcing laws on both detainees and external coconspirators, and providing medical care for detainees struggling with opioid addiction.
“The Department of Justice protects the safety and dignity of all, including those in federal custody,” Uballez said. “Those who seek to profit from the addiction and vulnerability of detainees not only violate the law but perpetuate a cycle of harm that extends beyond the walls of the jail.”
Philip Russell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division, further stressed the significance of the operation: “The FBI, along with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners, is determined to bring drug traffickers to justice for the damage they inflict on our communities.”
The operation involved the FBI VGTF, a collaborative task force comprising officers and agents from the New Mexico State Police, Rio Rancho Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and Albuquerque Police Department, which aims to disrupt gangrelated drug trafficking across the state.
This week’s operation reflects a broader effort to reduce drug trafficking and violence in New Mexico. The seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, firearms, and substantial cash indicate the serious impact of organized crime within and beyond correctional facilities.
Adding to CCCC’s list of issues, the facility had a near-successful attempted escape on August 26. Officers from the Milan Police Department had to physically remove inmates who were seen climbing the fences, nearly out of the facility entirely, and return them to the facility.
In March an inmate was found dead inside the facility, adding to the list of controversies at the facility.
CoreCivic Responds
CoreCivic, the company that operates and manages the Cibola County Correctional Center, released the following statement about the incident and allegations of drug trafficking: At CoreCivic, the safety of our staff and those individuals entrusted to our care is our top priority. We have a zero-tolerance policy for the introduction of contraband into our facilities. The introduction of contraband in correctional settings is a nationwide challenge that requires close and constant collaboration to prevent. We work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement officials on investigative and intervention efforts to prevent, detect and remove the introduction of contraband into our facilities.
We can confirm that our Intelligence Unit and the leadership team at our Cibola County Correctional Center provided intelligence at the request of a multiagency criminal investigation.
We are grateful for the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Violent Gangs Task Force) and the U.S. Marshals Service in conjunction with the support of the United States Attorney's Office (District of New Mexico), New Mexico State Police, Cibola County Sheriff's Office, Milan Police Department and Grants Police Department, and we share their commitment to keeping everyone safe.
As this remains an ongoing investigation, the extent of our comments is restricted to this statement and the above-referenced news release. Brian Todd Manager, Public Affairs