A Las Cruces man, Kenneth Manuel Aguirre, was charged in federal court on Mar. 23 with fentanyl trafficking and multiple firearm offenses after allegedly threatening victims with a handgun and later possessing more than 40 grams of fentanyl while armed.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking and firearms violations involving individuals with prior felony convictions. Authorities say such cases are prosecuted to address community safety issues related to both illegal drugs and gun violence.
According to court records, Aguirre, age 43, allegedly pointed a handgun at three people outside his residence in Las Cruces on July 5, 2025. Deputies from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office arrested Aguirre at the scene and recovered a handgun and suspected fentanyl pills from his vehicle. Additional firearms, ammunition, and accessories were found inside his home.
On August 13 of the same year, Aguirre was again found allegedly possessing more than 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute while carrying a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited by law from owning or possessing firearms.
Aguirre faces three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as one count each for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. He will remain in custody until trial; if convicted on all charges he could face between ten years and forty years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said that "An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." The investigation involved the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office (Las Cruces Resident Agency), Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, Las Cruces/Dona Ana Metro Narcotics unit, and the Las Cruces Police Department.
