News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2005

Over 30 Arrested After 6 Month Drug Investigation
More Indictments Pending

On June 28, 2005, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics/Gang Task Force, Roswell Police Department, Chaves County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mobile Enforcement Team (MET) concluded a 6 month drug investigation that targeted narcotics traffickers operating in Chaves County, New Mexico. This coordinated multi-agency operation resulted in the arrest of over 30 individuals, the majority indicted for federal narcotics violations.

This investigation was initiated in response to increased drug trafficking activity and the resulting violence, which has plagued Roswell and the greater Chaves County area in recent years. “We are deeply thankful to all of our federal law enforcement agencies for the support and assistance that they offer to local law enforcement in our struggle to combat this and other problems that threaten the peace and safety of our citizens. We are especially grateful to the Drug Enforcement Administration and to their dedicated agents for the assistance they gave us in law enforcement and for the work they did to serve all of you, who really do care about raising our children in a drug and violent free community,” said Chief John Balderston, Roswell Police Department.

Arrest and search warrants effected throughout the course of the joint investigation also led to the recovery of stolen property and the arrests of other defendants on outstanding state warrants and other drug related state charges. Through the cooperative effort put forth by members of the Roswell Police Department, Chaves County Sheriff’s Department, New Mexico State Police, Chaves County Metro Narcotics/Gang Task Force, FBI and DEA/MET, various narcotics trafficking organizations importing cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexico, and several that were distributing significant amounts of methamphetamine in Chaves County were disrupted.

“I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this case. Our federal, state, and local partners did an outstanding job, and I appreciate the opportunity DEA was given to assist in this investigation. I commend our law enforcement colleagues in New Mexico for a job well done,” said Zoran B. Yankovich, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s El Paso Field Division.

The joint investigation resulted in the seizure of 2,425.82 grams of methamphetamine, 2,644.13 gramsofcocaine, 18.24 grams of crack cocaine, 555.36 grams of marijuana and $17,191.00 of U.S. Currency. The Las Cruces United States Attorney’s Office is preparing to prosecute the Federal defendants.

For additional information contact Roswell City Chief of Police, John Balderston, 505-624-6770 or DEA Demand Reduction Coordinator and Public Information Officer, Special Agent David Monnette at 915-832-6000