Bureau of Indian Affairs officer credited with drug bust

Friday, September 14, 2018  

A police officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs has taken nearly 17 pounds of methamphetamine and heroin off the market.

Nicholas A. Jackson, an officer with the BIA's K-9 unit, was on the job on August 29 when he observed unusual vehicle activity along a major highway in New Mexico, according to an affidavit filed in federal court. He stopped the car and eventually discovered about 15.9 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.25 pounds of heroin.

"Our Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers are the front line in America’s ongoing fight against opioids," Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said in a press release announcing the bust.

Incredibly proud of the @USIndianAffairs law enforcement officers' work to take deadly #opioids and other drugs off the streets. Last week an officer found 17lbs of heroin in a routine traffic stop. Bravo Zulu. https://t.co/RkxQWlwlaR

— Secretary Ryan Zinke (@SecretaryZinke) September 12, 2018

Jackson's work led to the indictment of Roberto Harris-Valencia. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, according to the August 30 complaint.

Harris-Valencia, who has an Arizona driver's license and was driving in a car with an Arizona tag, has since been released to a halfway house in Albuquerque. He is not allowed to leave the surrounding county without federal approval, according to a September 4 order setting conditions of release pending further court proceedings.

The BIA's traffic stop occurred within the boundaries of the Pueblo of San Felipe. Interstate 25, a heavily-trafficked highway, runs through the reservation, located near Albuquerque, the most populous city in New Mexico.

Traffic stop leads to arrest and discovery of 17 pounds of meth, heroin (KOB September 12, 2018)
Interior law enforcement officers seize 17 pounds of heroin on reservation (The Hill September 12, 2018)