A Las Cruces man, Victor Andrew Pardo Jr., was charged with federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses, according to a March 27 announcement by federal authorities.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address illegal drug distribution and unregistered firearm possession in the region.
Court documents show that on August 19, 2025, investigators carried out a controlled purchase of a machinegun conversion device from Pardo in Las Cruces for $300. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later determined the device met the legal definition of a machinegun. Records indicated that Pardo did not have any firearms registered under the National Firearms Act.
On January 27, 2026, investigators purchased approximately 249.6 grams of cocaine from Pardo in El Paso, Texas. Surveillance teams observed him travel from his home in Las Cruces to complete the sale for $5,000. Laboratory testing confirmed the substance was cocaine. A second transaction took place on February 19, 2026 at Pardo's residence in Las Cruces where he sold about 251.6 grams of cocaine for another $5,000 after weighing it in front of an informant; lab analysis again confirmed it as cocaine.
Pardo is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. He will remain in custody pending trial; if convicted on these charges he faces up to twenty years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said: "A 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 multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Department of Army’s Criminal Investigations Division; New Mexico State Police; Texas Department of Public Safety; and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
