Feds arrest alleged ‘Cruces Boys’ members on drug trafficking charges

Federal and state authorities arrested six alleged members of the “Cruces Boys” gang Thursday morning on federal drug trafficking charges. The operation led to the seizure of 25 firearms.

Police arrested Joshua Randall Garcia, 29; Rahiem Harris, 35; Estevan Carreon, 23 ; Olajuwan Calhoun, 29: Nate Nordorf, 29; and Jalen Bishop, 21.

Authorities arrested Carreon in Farmington, New Mexico. The others were arrested in Las Cruces. All remain in custody pending a federal court appearance Friday.

A federal criminal complaint accuses the defendants with conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.

Court records state, the defendants, allegedly led by Garcia, distributed cocaine and “crack” cocaine throughout the Las Cruces area from July 2016 until May 2017.

If convicted, Garcia, whose charge involves more than 500 grams of cocaine, faces between five and 40 years in federal prison.

The other defendants, each charged for less than 500 grams of cocaine, face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.