New Mexico Justice Department employee arrested with fentanyl, heroin and firearms, Digi Mart USA News (Albuquerque, New Mexico): An employee of the New Mexico Department of Justice was detained after a federal operation at his home in Albuquerque, where authorities reportedly found more than 40 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, 90,000 counterfeit pills, heroin and 29 firearms.
Angel Ramirez, who worked as a legal assistant, was the subject of the federal search conducted on October 29, 2026, according to the publisher report citing court documents. The report says the suspect allegedly used his residence as a distribution center for drugs, cash and weapons.
During the operation, federal agents reportedly located several canvas bags containing large quantities of narcotics, cash and firearms. Field tests on the substances were positive for fentanyl and heroin.
Robert Castañeda, special agent in charge of the DEA El Paso Division, said agents working with the National Security Task Force seized more than 40 kilograms of fentanyl, which he described as more than 3 million potentially lethal doses. Assistant U.S.
Attorney Ryan Ellison said the seizure reflects the seriousness of drug trafficking in New Mexico.
Authorities allege Ramirez used his job, clean record and access to the judicial system to appear legitimate while allegedly participating in drug trafficking. He faces charges of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.
Ramirez will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 15 years in prison to life imprisonment.
Authorities stressed that the charges are accusations and that Ramirez is presumed innocent unless a court determines otherwise.
