By Gregory Hasman
Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Nearly three-quarters of a million fentanyl pills were confiscated during a recent federal-local drug operation in Albuquerque — enough to “provide every citizen of Albuquerque with at least one pill,” the feds say.
Tomas Rubalcaba, 45, Joaquin Rubalcaba, 40, Humberto Gastelum and Frederick Chavey, 39, are charged with multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the case.
The charges came after the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office confiscated about 715,000 fentanyl pills, other drugs and a dozen firearms last week.
According to a U.S. Department of Justice news release, the Rubalcabas and Gastelum will remain in custody until trial, which has not been scheduled. Chavey is in third-party custody while a fifth person, Ismael Vargas, 37, remains at large.
If convicted, they could face more than 10 years in prison.
“We can’t always talk about our narcotics investigations because they are so sensitive, but I want the public to know that local law enforcement is working closely with federal law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to attack the source of illegal drugs flowing into New Mexico,” Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said in a statement.
According to the motion, Tomas and Joaquin — leaders of the Rubalcaba Drug Trafficking Organization — were either convicted or pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in 2003.
APD spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said the Rubalcaba Drug Trafficking Organization has been distributing illegal drugs in the state since 2021.
DOJ said Tomas Rubalcaba conducted his drug sales through his business, Albuquerque Classics.
The motion states that on Oct. 23, the DEA, APD and BCSO seized the pills, more than 7 kilograms of cocaine and 12 firearms in Bernalillo County.
“The Rubalcabas had enough fentanyl to provide every citizen of Albuquerque with at least one pill,” the motion states. “Through multiple undercover purchases, law enforcement confirmed their prevalence and continuity. Accordingly, there are no viable excuses to endanger the community by permitting these dangerous defendants to be released.”
“By adding firearms to their activities, the Rubalcaba DTO exacerbated their conduct,” the motion adds. “Firearms are inherently dangerous. When coupled with drug trafficking, federal law recognizes the potent combination.”
Of the pills seized, about 660,000 were found inside Joaquin Rubalcaba’s house, while 50,000 were found in Tomas Rubalcaba’s stash house, the agent said.
“The sheer volume of narcotics removed any doubt about Tomas’ significance as a drug dealer,” the motion states. “Like his brother Tomas, Joaquin’s significance as a drug dealer was confirmed.”
According to the motion, between Feb. 2 and July 2, Tomas Rubalcaba sold drugs to an undercover agent three times. From May 30 to Aug. 20, Joaquin Rubalcaba sold drugs to an undercover agent four times. Gastelum and Chavey also sold drugs to undercover agents multiple times.
In about eight months, the motion states, the drug organization provided undercover agents with 5,582 grams of fentanyl, 2,025 grams of methamphetamine, 518 grams of cocaine and 187 grams of heroin.
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