Ringleader in marijuana trafficking case sentenced

The ringleader in a marijuana trafficking case in Northern New Mexico that resulted in the forfeiture of several cars, properties, weapons, high-end jewelry and almost $500,000 in cash was sentenced this week to six years in prison, followed by three years of supervised probation.

During his sentencing hearing Wednesday in the federal District Court in Albuquerque, Enrique Cavazos, 32, of Tijeras also was ordered to forfeit almost $1.9 million in cash and property, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release. Much of the real estate was in Las Vegas, N.M.

After a two-year investigation by federal authorities, Cavazos was arrested in November 2015 after

he, his wife, 33-year-old Lindsey Cavazos, and eight others were indicted by a federal grand jury on 26 counts of marijuana trafficking and money laundering.

The operation, which authorities said was headed by Enrique Cavazos, “distributed high-grade marijuana throughout New Mexico and across the country.”

The group is accused of a yearslong effort to cultivate and purchase high-grade marijuana in California, distribute large amounts throughout the U.S. and then launder drug proceeds “through a number of businesses and bank accounts in New Mexico,” the news release said.

One co-defendant is a former IRS employee, according to the release, and another is a retired teacher.

Enrique Cavazos pleaded guilty in May 2017 to a drug-trafficking conspiracy charge and a moneylaundering conspiracy charge. On the same day, Lindsey Cavazos entered a guilty plea to a charge of money-laundering conspiracy.

Lindsey Cavazos’ plea agreement recommends five years of probation at her upcoming sentencing.

Authorities allege she was “responsible for keeping the books on businesses she and her husband established with proceeds from their marijuana trafficking activities,” including a restaurant and a car dealership, the news release said.

Included on the list of properties the couple were ordered to forfeit were their residence in Tijeras, valued at $468,000; five properties in Las Vegas valued at over $500,000; 18 vehicles valued at $177,500, two Rolex watches valued at $35,600; three pieces of sapphire and diamond jewelry valued at $1,025.33; and $473,040 in cash.

Two other defendants have entered guilty pleas in the case, while the remaining six, who have pleaded not guilty, are awaiting trial.

The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, which combines the resources of local and federal agencies, the news release said.