Federal authorities have charged an Albuquerque man in connection with a significant narcotics trafficking operation uncovered by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Jose Magana Garcia, a Mexican national who is unlawfully present in the United States, was indicted after investigators linked him to fentanyl distribution in the city.
Court documents state that on August 13, 2025, DEA agents conducted an undercover operation where Garcia delivered about 2,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover officer through intermediaries. Agents later tracked Garcia to a northeast Albuquerque apartment and observed him engaging in suspected drug transactions and using driving tactics intended to avoid law enforcement surveillance.
On August 27, agents executed a search warrant at the apartment. They found Garcia inside and discovered narcotics hidden in a couch: more than 8 kilograms of fentanyl pills, over 4 kilograms of heroin, and nearly 35 grams of methamphetamine. Packaging materials and prepackaged doses were also recovered.
Garcia faces charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. He will remain in custody until his trial date is set. If convicted, he could receive a sentence ranging from ten years to life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said: “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 investigation was conducted by the DEA Office with support from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Bureau and the Laguna Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is handling prosecution.
“An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
