Following a months-long narcotics investigation, New Mexico State Police Crime Suppression Bureau agents seize seven guns including two rifles and five handguns, along with 136 grams of fentanyl and 202 grams of cocaine Wednesday at a residence in Albuquerque. Courtesy/NMSP

NMSP News:

ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Crime Suppression Bureau agents completed a months-long narcotics investigation Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, resulting in three arrests, along with the seizure of seven guns and hundreds of grams of narcotics.

Through investigation agents learned Mark Armijo, 32, and Shawna Sitz, 39, were selling fentanyl and cocaine out of a residence in the 200 block of 9th Street in Albuquerque. During the investigation, agents purchased narcotics from the two on multiple occasions. After serving a search warrant on the residence agents seized seven guns including two rifles and five handguns, none of which were stolen. Agents also seized 136 grams of fentanyl and 202 grams of cocaine.

Agents identified Alex Garcia, 20, as supplying the narcotics to Armijo and Sitz for distribution.  A search of his apartment on the 7200 block of Central Avenue resulted in agents seizing 1 kilogram of cocaine and 2,000 dollars in cash.

“The meticulous and committed police work my agents dedicated to this case is a testament to our priority to make Albuquerque a safer place to live,” NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said.

Arrests and charges:

• • • • • Alex Garcia was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with the intent to Distribute;
        • Mark Armijo was arrested and charged with Trafficking of a Controlled Substance by Distribution (5 counts); and
        • Shawna Sitz was arrested and charged with Trafficking of a Controlled Substance by Distribution (5 counts).

They were all booked into the Metro Detention Center.

This case was investigated by the New Mexico State Police Crime Suppression Bureau with assistance from the New Mexico State Police Special Operations Bureau and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team in serving the search and arrest warrants.