An Albuquerque man was sentenced on Mar. 27 to 220 months in prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of narcotics in Albuquerque.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement agencies to address the distribution of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the community. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, beginning in August 2024, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department Narcotics Unit investigated Quontez Kuvinka, age 26, and his fentanyl trafficking organization. Investigators identified Kuvinka as a source who supplied fentanyl and methamphetamine to a courier who sold these drugs on several occasions to an undercover officer during September 2024. Kuvinka also personally sold fentanyl and cocaine directly to an undercover officer during controlled purchases.
On October 8, 2024, agents conducting surveillance observed Kuvinka leaving his residence and driving to a location arranged for a drug transaction. When law enforcement approached him while he was seated in his vehicle, he attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody. A search of Kuvinka’s vehicle revealed approximately 442.6 grams of fentanyl (about 4,400 pills), around 267.5 grams of methamphetamine, about seven grams of cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, eight firearms with ammunition—including weapons equipped with machinegun conversion devices—and other evidence linking him to drug distribution activities.
As a previously convicted felon, Kuvinka is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy; distribution of cocaine; two counts of distribution of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Upon release from prison he will be subject to five years supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case together with Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Chief Cecily Barker from the Albuquerque Police Department.
