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    1. Safety & Security

    Albuquerque Police Department conducts narcotics operation at bus stops

    Sept. 18, 2023
    The operation resulted in six felony arrests for trafficking controlled substance and conspiracy to traffic-controlled substance, two felony warrants cleared, 122 fentanyl pills seized and one gram of meth seized.
    Related To: City of Albuquerque
    City of Albuquerque
    Items seized during operation
    Items seized during operation

    The Albuquerque Police Department (APD)’s Central Narcotics Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Albuquerque District Office collaborated to address complaints of open-air narcotics trafficking at city transit locations. APD worked with the city of Albuquerque’s Transit Department to identify locations along the ART route where narcotics transactions were observed/alleged to be occurring.

     The operation resulted in the following:

    • Six felony arrests for trafficking controlled substance and conspiracy to traffic-controlled substance
    • Two felony warrants cleared
    • 122 fentanyl pills seized
    • One gram of meth seized

    The individuals arrested during this operation had criminal histories that included the following:

    • Transferring stolen vehicle
    • Aggravated battery
    • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
    • Probation violation
    • Armed robbery
    • Auto Burglary
    • DWI
    • Possession of controlled substance

    “This is a prime example of how hard our officers are working every day to get dangerous criminals off our streets,” said APD Chief Harold Medina. “Our detectives anxiously await the court’s decision on whether these offenders will stay behind bars. Their behavior alone makes it clear they are a danger to our community, they are fueling the fentanyl issues on our streets, and if the courts do not see that, then it’s time for the legislature to reevaluate our laws.”

    APD has been working with the city of Albuquerque’s Transit Department to make buses and transit facilities safer for passengers and drivers. In addition to these operations, APD is building a Transit Safety section and is now hiring nonsworn Transit Safety officers and supervisors who will focus on keeping transit facilities and vehicles safe.

    “ABQ RIDE remains committed to working with its partners when identifying the most effective safety measures and will continue to address unacceptable behavior on the transit network – on buses, as well as at facilities and stops,” said ABQ Ride Director Leslie Keener. “APD’s recent focus on the transit system is another example of how synergy between departments can make a difference for our passengers by fostering a safer environment.”