Kids found in filthy drug house

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) - Police in southeastern New Mexico got much more than they bargained for when searching for stolen property.

They said they found five small children living in the middle of a criminal operation.

Roswell Police described it as a deplorable situation they went into on Wednesday. Not only did they find stolen items, they uncovered a drug house and kids living in filth.

Thirteen people including five children were found in the house off of Main Street when police served a search warrant.

Police believed burglary suspect Tuff Brazeal, 18, was living there. They were right, but he wasn't all they found.

"Filthy living conditions, stolen property, abused children, those all go hand in hand with methamphetamine," Roswell Officer Travis Holley explained. And that's what he said police discovered; a drug house where methamphetamine was being sold.

Child Protective Services was called immediately. Police said some of the five young children, including an infant, tested positive for methamphetamine.

"The house was filthy enough that even without the presence of methamphetamine, it would have been a situation where we took custody of the children," Holley said. "It was dirty enough that it was a health hazard for those children."

The home's owner, Robert Paz, was immediately charged with drug trafficking. He and three others were arrested on outstanding warrants for burglary and other charges.

Those arrested included Angela Rice, who is the mother of some of the five children.

"Due to the filthy, disgusting state of the house and the methamphetamine being present, they will all be facing child-abuse charges," said Holley.

"Several items of stolen property were recovered, several warrant arrests were made, so again I would have to say this is the typical drug house that we see," Holley explained.

As for the children, Holley explained, the effects of the drugs are still uncertain.

"I would challenge anybody who believes that drugs are a victimless crime to go see the conditions that these children have to live in when their parents are involved with methamphetamine," he said.

The children were placed in state custody. As for the four adults arrested, one is already out of jail, but police said all of the adults in the house will face more charges.

Detectives said they are confident that the stolen property is linked to recent burglaries around town. Police said they will return the items to their owners once their investigation wraps up.