CHAVES COUNTY — Twenty-four individuals were arrested and a significant amount of drugs and guns seized last week during a joint warrant operation between the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) South Crime Suppression Bureau, Investigations Bureau and District 3 Uniform Bureau.
The action, dubbed Operation Alien Town Takedown, was conducted Jan. 15-19 in Roswell with the goal of identifying, interdicting and arresting major criminals in possession of and/or distributing narcotics and who were wanted for felony-related crimes.
In total, the operation yielded one misdemeanor and 23 felony-warrant arrests and the seizure of:
• five firearms, including three 9mm handguns, one 12-gauge shotgun and one stolen .38 revolver.
• 90.62 pounds of marijuana.
• 34.8 grams of cocaine.
• 15 fentanyl pills.
• 9.6 grams of methamphetamine.
• $51,615
On Jan. 17, uniformed officers were dispatched to the scene of a suspicious vehicle call at U.S. 380 and Whitemill Road, just east of Roswell. Dispatch reported that a white Dodge Ram 1500 bearing Texas license plates had lost a black plastic bag on the road, which contained what appeared to be air-sealed bags.
Officers were able to locate the vehicle near Second Street and the Relief Route. The driver — identified as 53-year-old Don Wester — initially refused multiple commands to exit but finally complied and was detained. A K-9 alerted on the vehicle and a search warrant was obtained, resulting in the seizure of approximately 90.62 pounds of marijuana, 34.8 grams of cocaine, a stolen .38 Smith & Wesson revolver, and $51,615 in U.S. currency.
Wester was charged with resisting, evading or obstructing an officer; distribution of synthetic cannabinoids; trafficking of a controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of a stolen firearm. He is scheduled to appear for preliminary examination in Roswell Magistrate Court at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30.
On Jan. 18, while officers and agents were attempting to locate a suspect at a Roswell residence, they observed 56-year-old John M. Campbell driving past the residence and conducted a traffic stop. Campbell was subsequently placed into custody on an outstanding felony warrant.
An individual identified as 72-year-old Everett Brakeman arrived on scene soon after to pick up Campbell’s vehicle and was discovered to also have an outstanding felony warrant for trafficking of controlled substances. He was arrested without incident.
“In pursuit of justice, the New Mexico State Police, through Operation Alien Town Takedown, orchestrated a collaboration between the Crime Suppression Bureau, Investigations Bureau and District 3 Uniform Bureau,” said NMSP Chief Troy Weisler. “Their unwavering determination stands as a testament to the state police’s commitment to rid our communities of criminal influence.”