Federal authorities have charged an Albuquerque man in connection with a significant drug trafficking operation, following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Court documents state that on August 13, 2025, DEA agents carried out an undercover operation in Albuquerque. During this operation, Jose Magana Garcia, identified as a Mexican national without legal status in the United States, was named as a fentanyl trafficker and supplier. Garcia allegedly delivered about 2,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover officer through intermediaries. Agents then tracked him to a northeast Albuquerque apartment where they observed suspected drug transactions and counter-surveillance driving.
On August 27, 2025, agents executed a search warrant at the apartment and found Garcia inside. The search revealed more than 8 kilograms of fentanyl pills hidden in a couch, over 4 kilograms of heroin, and nearly 35 grams of methamphetamine. Packaging materials and prepackaged doses believed to be for distribution were also seized.
Garcia faces charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. He will remain in custody until trial; no date has been set yet. If convicted, he could receive between ten years and life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: “U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today.”
The DEA Office led the investigation with help from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Bureau and Laguna Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.
Authorities remind that an indictment is only an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
