A multiagency search and seizure operation targeted alleged members of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club in several jurisdictions around the state, including Los Lunas, Belen and Tomé.
According to a press release, investigators and analysts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Mexico State Police and several other statewide law enforcement agencies led the operation due to a sharp increase in violence between the Bandidos and the Mongols Motorcycle Club.
Following the May 27 Red River shooting which led to three deaths and five wounded bystanders, the New Mexico State Police contacted the FBI and requested assistance in conducting a statewide investigation of the Bandidos.
Law enforcement focused on twenty-five New Mexico Bandidos members who appeared to be the most criminally active and loudest voices advocating for continued violence.
A search warrant was executed on premises in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Belen, Tome, Grants, San Rafael, Gallup, Farmington, Hobbs, Alamogordo, Ruidoso, Capitan and Arabela.
During the subsequent searches, law enforcement officers seized 151 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, numerous ballistics vests, fentanyl, meth and cocaine. A stolen police radio was also recovered.
As a result of the operation, two individuals were arrested on state charges. They are Kenneth Martinez and Henry Mascarenas. Charges are also pending against Ed Sanchez Solis.
“The ongoing violence involving outlaw motorcycle gangs across our state has a negative impact on all the citizens of New Mexico. The law enforcement community owes it to those we serve to come together and stop this behavior,” said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police in the press release. “By working with our Federal, State, County, and local law enforcement partners on operations like this one, we are one step closer to preventing the spread of drugs and criminal mischief that accompanies outlaw motorcycle gangs.”
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 25, 2024
