Drug trafficking ring leader pleads guilty

ALBUQUERQUE — An Albuquerque-area man described by prosecutors as the leader of a ring that distributed marijuana throughout New Mexico and elsewhere in the country has pleaded guilty to federal charges.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said 31-year-old Enrique Cavazos of Tijeras and his wife, Lindsey, will forfeit property, vehicles, cash and other assets valued at more than $1.8 million.

Enrique Cavazos pleaded guilty Wednesday to marijuana trafficking and money laundering while Lindsey pleaded guilty to money laundering.

A plea agreement recommends five years of probation for her and up to 10 years in prison for him.

The couple operated an Albuquerque restaurant when they and six other people were indicted in 2015.

Prosecutors said Lindsey Cavazos established businesses with drug money and laundered the money through business bank accounts.