Enchantment State News

The New Mexico Organized Crime Commission, established by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and led by Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, has released its annual report. The document highlights significant achievements in combating criminal organizations within the state during its inaugural year.

The report emphasizes the need for additional resources to tackle increasingly sophisticated criminal networks in New Mexico. Over the past year, the Commission coordinated multiple successful operations targeting human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms trade.

Governor Lujan Grisham stated, "Criminal organizations have infiltrated our communities, but with the right strategy and appropriate resources, we can continue to disrupt their operations and make New Mexico safer for all." She urged state lawmakers to review the report and provide necessary funding for the Commission's continued efforts.

Among the key achievements of 2024 were:

- Rescuing over 200 migrants from human trafficking through "Operation Disruption," a joint effort involving more than 20 federal, state, and international law enforcement agencies.

- Shutting down ten illegal massage parlors involved in human trafficking and seizing approximately $90,000 in illegal proceeds.

- Assisting in dismantling major illegal cannabis operations with seizures totaling about 160,000 pounds of cannabis valued at an estimated $200 million.

- Identifying fentanyl trafficking routes into New Mexico, revealing that most illegal fentanyl enters through Arizona and Texas rather than the southern border.

- Disrupting numerous human trafficking stash houses across the state via coordinated law enforcement actions.

- Initiating investigations against Tren De Aragua, a Venezuelan gang implicated in substantial human trafficking, drug trafficking, and gun smuggling activities nationwide.

District Attorney Bregman expressed pride in the Commission's work: "I'm very proud of the Commission’s work, including its aggressive approach to fighting the cartels in human trafficking, fentanyl, and cannabis. Our success shows what we can accomplish when law enforcement agencies work together to combat organized crime."

To further build on its initial successes, the Organized Crime Commission is requesting a special appropriation of $4.5 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This funding would enable expansion of its team to include ten full-time employees such as special agents and intelligence analysts; purchase necessary vehicles and equipment; cover travel expenses for cross-jurisdictional operations; and establish a centralized intelligence center under the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

Additionally, updates to state laws are recommended by the Commission. These include strengthening human trafficking statutes and addressing gaps in firearms legislation to better combat criminal organizations operating within New Mexico.