Las Cruces man charged with federal drug trafficking, machine gun device offenses

A Las Cruces man faces federal charges after authorities say he sold cocaine and a machine gun conversion device to undercover agents.

Las Cruces man charged with federal drug trafficking, machine gun device offenses
(Courtesy photo / City of Las Cruces)

Authorities allege Victor Pardo sold cocaine and a machine gun conversion device in Las Cruces and El Paso.

Organ Mountain News report

ALBUQUERQUE - A Las Cruces man faces federal charges after authorities say he sold cocaine and a machine gun conversion device in a series of undercover operations.

Federal authorities allege that Victor Andrew Pardo Jr., 26, sold a machine gun conversion device in Las Cruces on Aug. 19, 2025, for $300. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined the device met the legal definition of a machine gun. Authorities said Pardo did not have any firearms registered under the National Firearms Act.

Authorities also allege Pardo sold about 500 grams of cocaine in two transactions.

On Jan. 27, 2026, agents say Pardo traveled from Las Cruces to El Paso, where he sold about 249.6 grams of cocaine for $5,000. On Feb. 19, investigators say he sold about 251.6 grams at his residence in Las Cruces for $5,000.

Pardo is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. He remains in custody pending trial.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

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