Feds say trucking business was really a meth distribution center

After a year-long investigation into an Albuquerque trucking company, federal authorities say that the company’s owner is facing serious charges related to drug trafficking.

Javier Jaquez, owner of Jaquez Brothers Trucking, is facing charges of intent to distribute more than 500g of drugs, conspiracy, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been investigating Jaquez’s trucking business since June 2017, according to reporting from KRQE.

After the investigation began, undercover DEA agents purchased a total of three pounds of meth from Jaquez during three different drug transactions for a total of $12,000. At one point during the investigation, a confidential informant told agents that Jaquez had 70 pounds of meth on the trucking company property that was intended for distribution.

Following a year of undercover work, feds learned of a large drug transaction set to take place an empty lot behind a McDonald’s in July 2018 between Jaquez and a man named Freddie Sanchez. After drug deal was complete, agents closed in. Both men fled but were soon cornered and arrested.

When DEA agents searched a mobile home on the Jaquez Brothers Trucking property, they discovered 10 pounds of meth, a handgun, a semi-automatic rife, cocaine, and $80,000 in cash.

Both Jaquez and Sanchez are in federal prison on charges related to drug trafficking.