Two women from Colorado, Ebajelina Silva of Arvada and Tania Maldonado of Denver, have been charged in a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy that allegedly moved methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico through New Mexico to other parts of the United States, according to a March 12 announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison.
The case is significant because it involves large quantities of illegal drugs crossing state lines and the alleged use of financial transactions to move proceeds back to individuals in Mexico. Authorities say these activities contribute to broader efforts by criminal organizations that impact communities across the country.
Court records allege that between November 2023 and July 2025, Silva coordinated narcotics pickups and deliveries with Reymondo Mandonado of Thornton, Colorado. Maldonado is accused of helping transmit drug proceeds to people in Mexico using structured wire transfers through money service businesses. The investigation reportedly involved evidence such as border crossings, communications data, financial records, and a July 7, 2025 traffic stop in Otero County, New Mexico. During that stop, law enforcement seized over 146 kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly five kilograms of cocaine from a concealed compartment in a trailer driven by Mandonado.
Silva and Maldonado are each charged with one count of conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money. Both will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, they face at least ten years up to life in prison. Mandonado has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute both methamphetamine and cocaine; he also remains in custody awaiting sentencing with the same potential penalties.
The prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159. The task force brings together multiple federal agencies—including Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Customs and Border Protection—and local law enforcement partners from Texas and New Mexico for coordinated action against criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Camacho is prosecuting the cases. Officials remind the public that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
