Mescalero Apache Meth Bust

wanted fugitives. the d-e-a says they took part in the drug ring that landed 34 others in federal jail, charged with trafficking meth. call the d-e-a if you know where they are. the feds say it was all happening in mescalero… which is right by ruidoso, new mexico about two hours north of el paso. and they say it took a lot of investigating to take down a drug ring so big that it covered several counties: “this investigation was initiated in may of 2014 by the bia and fbi in response to an increase of violent crime on mescalero apache reservation and caused by users of methamphetamine.” the u-s attorney in new mexico announced today the bust also got 22 pounds of meth off the streets! the 34 people already arrested are both tribe members and non members. abc-7’s jamie warren is live from our new mexico mobile newsroom. jamie? 13 mescalero tribe members allegedly involved had their initial appearance before a judge today. the president of the tribe tells me he doesn’t want this event to impact their culture in such a small community 10:13:19 danny at some point we have to realize and wake up that this type of life style is not good its not good to our people president danny breuninger tells me he’s saddened to see the illegal activity in a land that he loves expand to this level. 10:13:37 danny we hear you we hear the calls for help the 18 month investigation led law enforcement all around parts of mescalero reservation, otero county and lea county. documents state the defendants, who communicated regularly though text message, once told an undercover investigator to meet at this lake adjacent to the inn of mountain gods resort and casino in mescalero. they also met at auto shops and at other businesses around town. breuninger says while its difficult, he wants his people to move forward danny 10:14;01 its a tragic situation for everyone and but somewhat together we need to pull together to stop illegal drug use on the reservation dea officials wouldn’t tell us the origin of the drugs. although they say they’re confident the meth wasn’t manufactured in nm. jamie with reaction from the mescalero tribe tonight. thank you. tribe tonight. thank you. “natural sound” a