117-Month Sentence for Man in New Mexico Drug Trafficking Case

New Mexico – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced that Rogelio Rodriguez-Salas, 29, has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison. The sentence stems from charges related to attempting to destroy a drone, illegal firearm possession, and drug trafficking.

Incident Details

Court documents reveal that on July 3, 2023, law enforcement tracked Rodriguez-Salas, a previously deported Mexican national, using a drone. He was in the U.S. illegally and found in possession of a stolen vehicle. In an effort to evade detection, Rodriguez-Salas fired a handgun at the drone. Following the incident, he was arrested but later released.

On July 21, 2023, deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department (BCSD) encountered Rodriguez-Salas again. This time, he was found driving another stolen vehicle while engaging in drug trafficking. Deputies discovered more than four grams of fentanyl in his possession and a revolver, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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Guilty Plea and Charges

Rodriguez-Salas pleaded guilty on July 15, 2024, to several federal charges, including:

• Attempting to damage, destroy, disable, or wreck an aircraft.
• Possession of a firearm as a prohibited individual.
• Illegal re-entry into the U.S.
• Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
• Using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Sentencing and Future Proceedings

Rodriguez-Salas has been sentenced to over nine years in federal prison. Following his release, he will serve three years of supervised release. Additionally, he will face deportation proceedings, the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed.

This case underscores federal efforts to combat drug trafficking and the illegal use of firearms in the United States.