ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A paralegal for the New Mexico Department of Justice has been charged with federal drug and firearm offenses after agents seized about 96 pounds of fentanyl powder from her northwest Albuquerque home, a haul the Drug Enforcement Administration said Tuesday was the largest single powder fentanyl seizure in its New Mexico history.
Angel Ramirez, 45, was arrested Oct. 29 during a DEA-led Homeland Security Task Force investigation into an alleged trafficking organization bringing narcotics into Albuquerque. Federal authorities announced the seizure Nov. 3, saying agents also recovered counterfeit fentanyl pills, heroin, cash and firearms.
The case has drawn attention to Ramirez’s state government position. Prosecutors allege she used her employment and access to the justice system to make her alleged trafficking activities appear legitimate.
According to an affidavit filed in federal court, a U.S. magistrate judge approved a search warrant Oct. 28. Agents searched the residence the next day and found Ramirez, the only adult present. Investigators said they discovered duffel bags of suspected drugs and bundles of cash in her bedroom and closet, with firearms stored nearby.
The DEA reported seizing about 43.75 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 90,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, 4.4 kilograms of heroin and another 1,036 grams of fentanyl in a separate container. It said agents also recovered 29 firearms and ammunition. Preliminary field tests indicated the presence of fentanyl and heroin, according to court documents.
The DEA estimated that the powder represented more than 3 million potentially deadly doses, though the agency did not provide a laboratory potency analysis with its announcement.
“This is the largest single seizure of fentanyl powder in DEA New Mexico’s history,” said Robert “Eric” Castañeda, special agent in charge of the DEA’s El Paso Division, which oversees New Mexico. He credited cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Ramirez worked as a paralegal for the state Justice Department at the time of her arrest, authorities said. Federal prosecutors allege she exploited her government employment, lack of a criminal history and access to the justice system while the home served as a location for drugs, proceeds and guns.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said the seizure reflected the scale of the state’s fentanyl trafficking problem. He described the operation as successful but said it was “no cause for celebration,” citing rising fentanyl overdose deaths in New Mexico.
Ramirez is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. She remains in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. Prosecutors said a conviction on the current charges could carry a sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison.
The investigation is part of a federal Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Local agencies assisting included the Bernalillo and Sandoval county sheriff’s offices, Rio Rancho police and Pojoaque tribal police.
