A view of the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico. Photo from Vimari R / TripAdvisor

A member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe of New Mexico pleaded guilty for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring on and near the reservation.

Wallace Rice, 23, admitted to one felony charge of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The U.S. Attorney's Office said he sold .75 grams of the drug to an undercover federal agent.

A total of 34 people have been charged in connection with the right. Authorities allege Lorenzo Saenz, a tribal member, was in charge of the operation.

Of the defendants, 18 people were charged in federal court. Of those, five are Mescalero Apache tribal members.

Another 16 people are charged in tribal court. All of those defendants are tribal members.

Get the Story:
Feds announce guilty plea in meth ring sting (The Ruidoso News 2/9)

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Dozens charged for dealing meth on Mescalero Apache Nation (12/14)