New Mexico Deploys 3-Officer Cannabis Bureau to Target Illicit Marijuana Market Statewide
Updated
Updated · Santa Fe New Mexican · Jun 28
New Mexico Deploys 3-Officer Cannabis Bureau to Target Illicit Marijuana Market Statewide
2 articles · Updated · Santa Fe New Mexican · Jun 28
Summary
New Mexico’s roughly year-old cannabis enforcement bureau is pursuing illicit marijuana operations statewide, with officers traveling from Farmington and Taos to Deming and Alamogordo.
Three armed, trained officers in the Regulation and Licensing Department — led by Vince Mares — are focused on investigating illegal growers and sellers in a state with a large legal cannabis presence.
Industry leaders are watching for results from the small unit, which currently has just three officers including Mares but is expected to expand.
One high-profile case tied to the broader crackdown involved Dineh Benally, who pleaded guilty last year to federal drug-trafficking conspiracy charges linked to large grow operations in Shiprock and Estancia and faces up to life in prison.