Las Cruces woman pleads guilty in federal meth trafficking case
A 43-year-old Las Cruces woman pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after agents seized more than 40 grams during a 2025 traffic stop.
Authorities say more than 40 grams of methamphetamine were seized during 2025 traffic stop between Anthony and Las Cruces
Organ Mountain News report
ALBUQUERQUE - A Las Cruces woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after authorities seized more than 40 grams of the drug during a 2025 traffic stop.
Ivory Hernandez, 43, admitted in court that she transported methamphetamine within the United States and intended to transfer it to another person, according to federal prosecutors.
Investigators with the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Las Cruces/Doña Ana Metro Narcotics unit conducted a joint investigation into Hernandez in connection with drug trafficking, stolen vehicles and firearms, court documents state.
On May 7, 2025, investigators attempted to stop Hernandez’s vehicle between Anthony and Las Cruces. Authorities said Hernandez initially slowed and pulled off the road but did not fully stop before eventually complying with officers’ commands.
During the stop, a drug-detection canine alerted to the vehicle. A search revealed approximately 40.5 grams of pure methamphetamine and materials commonly used for packaging and weighing drugs, according to prosecutors.
Hernandez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to life at sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.
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