Three at large after meth-ring roundup

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Fifteen suspected members of a methamphetamine ring supplying dealers in the Albuquerque area have been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Six of the suspects were arrested during the course of the nine-month investigation, and six more were taken into custody during a sweep on Thursday, according to a joint statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Albuquerque and the FBI office in El Paso, Texas.

“This investigation has dismantled what we believe was one of the larger and more lucrative methamphetamine distribution organizations operating in the Albuquerque area." said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Gonzales said in the statement.

Three other suspects remain at large and are considered to be fugitives.

Thirteen pounds of meth with an estimated street value of $585,000 plus $105,000 in cash were confiscated during the investigation.

All 15 face conspiracy charges and various additional charges based on their alleged roles in the ring.

Those in custody are:

• Martin Ivan Alvarado, 23,of Albuquerque
• Raul Simental, 33, of Albuquerque
• Damacio Moya, 37, of Albuquerque
• Cesar Carrasco, 25, of Albuquerque
• Marco A. Jimenez, 33, of Albuquerque
• Javier Vidaca, 25, of Albuquerque
• Octavio Baca-Rodriguez, 27, of Albuquerque
• Henry Simental, 37, of Los Lunas
• Andres Sabado, 38, of Albuquerque
• Frank Sosa, 40, of Albuquerque
• Jaime Pacheco, 36, of Albuquerque
• Michael McAllister, 30, of Albuquerque

Still to be arrested are:

• Jose Vidaca, 47, of Albuquerque
• Omar Cota, 27, of Albuquerque
• Maria Angel Alvarez, 50, of Los Lunas