DEA bust leads to firefighter arrest

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - People who knew AFD firefighter, Steve Chavez, say he was living at large and was the last guy they would have expected to be involved in a drug ring.

Chavez worked at Station 15 in northeast Albuquerque and had been with the department for seven years.

Sources tell News 13 the drug ring was linked to the Mexican cartel.

The DEA says more than 100 officers from multiple agencies were part of a months long investigation into a ring that was smuggling and dealing large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.

On Thursday officials raided three homes in Albuquerque and another three properties in McIntosh.

According to a federal indictment a total of 15 people were taken into custody.

This past summer Chavez deposited nearly $350,000 into local bank accounts.

Sources say agents found several guns in Chavez’s home.

AFD Chief Jim Breen said he was very upset and concerned after learning of Chavez’s involvement.

Chavez is still entitled to due process and his future employment with AFD will be decided in the very near future.