California Man Arrested on Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Charge

ALBUQUERQUE – Efrain Sanchez Jr., 26, of San Bernardino, Calif., made his initial appearance this morning in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  Sanchez remains in federal custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing which are scheduled for March 30, 2015.

Sanchez was arrested yesterday after DEA agents allegedly seized approximately 11.22 pounds of methamphetamine from his baggage during a consensual search at the Greyhound Bus Station in Albuquerque.

If convicted on the charge in the criminal complaint, Sanchez faces a statutory maximum penalty of not less than ten years and not more than life in prison.  Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Interdiction Unit of the DEA’s Albuquerque office which focuses on disrupting the flow of narcotics, weapons, and the proceeds of illegal activities as they are smuggled into or through New Mexico in passenger buses, passenger trains, commercial vehicles and automobiles.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Walsh is prosecuting the case.