DEA investigation nets 39 New Mexico arrests

Posted at: 06/10/2010 7:33 PM | Updated at: 06/10/2010 7:53 PM
By: Cristina Rodda, Eyewitness News 4

Dozens of people in New Mexico are under arrest in a nearly two year long federal investigation into drug trafficking. More than half of the arrests were in and around the Espanola Valley.

The undertaking, Project Deliverance, targeted the middle man. DEA didn't go after one particular cartel but the people moving the drugs, stashing them, and selling them on the street.

"With this effort, I think we have made a significant blow to the trafficking cartels," said DEA Assistant Edward Knoth at a press conference Thursday morning.

Nationwide 429 people were arrested. There were 39 arrests of people living in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. Investigators trace the drug route from Mexico to stash house in El Paso, Texas and Chaparral, New Mexico.

"The majority of the drugs was transported via car we believe some of it was body carried-- as in strapped to someone's body-- some of it you'll see in the overt acts was taken by bus," said Prosector Mike Nammar.

The DEA says a family based organization brought the drugs to Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Denver and Kansas City.

"It doesn't stop here," said New Mexico U.S. Attorney Ken Gonzales. "We'll with to see if it has any effect but for now we are pretty satisfied with the results of this particular operation," he added.

Those arrested are facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Agents seized more than 63 kilograms of cocaine and more than $335,000 in New Mexico.

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