A Colorado man was sentenced to prison for drug trafficking after being apprehended during a traffic stop on Interstate 25 near the Kewa Pueblo reserve of New Mexico.
According to court filings, on June 14, 2023, a BIA K9 officer observed Juan Hugo Lugo, 29, speeding and following other vehicles too closely on Interstate 25 near mile marker 250.
During a traffic stop, the officer noticed a bin on the back passenger seat containing several large plastic-wrapped bundles suspected of being methamphetamine. The officer also noticed a white powdery substance inside Lugo’s nostrils.
When questioned in the police van, Lugo admitted to having cocaine. Officials then searched the vehicle, discovering seven plastic-wrapped bundles containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine and five brick-shaped packets likely to be cocaine. Additionally, a loaded 9mm Glock 19 pistol was discovered in the passenger compartment.
Five years of supervised release will follow Lugo’s release from prison.
United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced this today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Raquel Ruiz Velez, an assistant United States Attorney, is prosecuting the case.