Drug trafficking probe leads to 14 arrests in Las Cruces

Authorities say 14 individuals were arrested in Las Cruces in connection to a multi-agency investigation that targets cocaine, heroin and meth trafficking.

During the course of the investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office says law enforcement seized approximately 3.6 kilograms of cocaine, 2.5 kilograms of herion, 13 kilograms of meth, $124,885 in cash, eight vehicles and seven firearms.

The investigation was conducted in New Mexico and other states, including Texas, Tennessee and South Carolina, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The office’s announcement of the investigation says it began in April, culminated with 14 arrests Wednesday and also resulted in seizures of drugs, cash, vehicles and guns. Two of the accused already were in custody.

According to the office, the investigation initially targeted 31-year-old Eulalio Valentin Chavez of Las Cruces as the leader of a drug trafficking organization accused importing cocaine, heroine and meth out of southern New Mexico.

The investigation expanded to four other organizations in the other states that were investigated by federal and local agencies.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.