Albuquerque, New Mexico: State Justice Department Paralegal Charged After Record Fentanyl Seizure at Her Home

Federal prosecutors in New Mexico announced Wednesday that a paralegal employed by the state Department of Justice is facing federal drug trafficking and firearms charges after agents searched her northwest Albuquerque home and reported finding the largest quantity of fentanyl powder ever seized in the state in DEA history.

Angel Ramirez, 45, of Albuquerque, was the sole adult in the home when agents executed the search on October 29, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico. A U.S. Magistrate Judge had authorized the warrant for her residence a day earlier, on October 28, as part of an investigation into an organization that court documents say was importing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin and other narcotics into Albuquerque.

Inside the master bedroom, investigators say they found multiple duffel bags holding large quantities of narcotics, bulk U.S. currency and numerous firearms. Laboratory field testing confirmed the presence of fentanyl and heroin, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

What agents say they recovered

In total, agents recovered approximately 43.75 kilograms of fentanyl powder, which the release calls the largest seizure in New Mexico in DEA history, plus 7.70 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 4.40 kilograms of heroin and an additional 1,036 grams of fentanyl in a separate container. Investigators also located approximately 29 firearms and assorted ammunition inside and around a gun safe directly beneath the narcotics and cash.

Court documents state that Ramirez worked as a paralegal with the State of New Mexico's Department of Justice, a taxpayer funded position of public trust. Investigators allege that she used her government employment, her clean criminal history and her internal access to the justice system to create a veneer of legitimacy while her residence operated as a distribution hub for narcotics, drug proceeds and firearms. Those are allegations in a criminal complaint, and Ramirez is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The charges and what comes next

Ramirez is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and with using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. She will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted on the current charges, she faces no less than 15 years and up to life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"Nearly 50 kilograms of fentanyl powder in a single Albuquerque home tells us just how serious the drug trafficking problem has become in New Mexico," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, who made the announcement on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force. DEA El Paso Division Special Agent in Charge Robert "Eric" Castañeda said agents "remain deeply committed to protecting and serving the city of Albuquerque."

The case was investigated by HSTF Region II CORE 7, whose members include Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF and the Albuquerque Police Department, with help from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office and the Rio Rancho Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Probasco, Timothy Piatt and Oliver Stephanz are prosecuting the case. Albuquerque stations KKOB and KRQE reported the charges the same day, carrying the same warrant dates, seizure totals and penalty range as the federal release.