A man and a woman have been arrested and face drug conspiracy charges following an to undercover federal agents. Veronica Herrera and Jesus Manuel Chavez Marquez were taken into custody on February 20 at an auto parts store on McNutt Road.
According to a complaint affidavit filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, the arrests were the result of a series of undercover drug transactions involving what was described as “100% pure” methamphetamine originating from Mexico.
The investigation began on January 23 when Herrera allegedly delivered 2 kilograms of meth to an undercover agent after being contacted by an individual identified only as “Primo.” During this initial transaction, court documents state Herrera drove to the auto parts store in a blue Dodge Ram, where she exchanged a black bag containing meth for $4,600.
Subsequent transactions occurred on February 4 at a casino, where Herrera again delivered 2 kilograms of meth, this time for $3,400. The final transaction, which led to their arrest, involved the delivery of 25 kilograms on February 20. Chavez arrived at the auto parts store in a silver Honda Civic, claiming he was there to pick up cash for the delivery from “Primo.”
After proceedings unfolded in the parking lot, Herrera arrived with an underage girl in the back seat and allegedly indicated that the drugs were in the car. As federal agents closed in, they arrested the pair and seized the methamphetamine.
Both suspects waived their rights following their arrest, with Herrera reportedly admitting to having more meth at her residence in Socorro, Texas, which was subsequently secured by authorities. Chavez disclosed that he was hired by unnamed individuals to collect cash for the drug delivery.
The duo is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Each faces charges of conspiracy and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
