ALBUQUERQUE – Two men are facing federal charges after New Mexico State Police allegedly discovered approximately 10.7 kilograms of fentanyl during a traffic stop.

According to court documents, on September 16, 2026, Armando Cordova-Rugerio, 25, and Francisco Javier Utrera Perez, 21, were traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 in Cibola County in a white sedan that had been identified by an out-of-state law enforcement agency as associated with a narcotics distribution ring.

A New Mexico State Police officer conducting patrol operations near mile marker 85 observed the sedan traveling in the left lane despite having an opportunity to return to the right lane and initiated a traffic stop. Rugerio was driving the vehicle, which was registered to Perez, who was seated in the passenger seat. Rugerio and Perez told the officer they were traveling to Albuquerque to visit Rugerio’s aunt.

A second New Mexico State Police officer arrived with a narcotics detection canine, which alerted to the vehicle during an open-air sniff. Both Rugerio and Perez consented to a search of the sedan.

Officers allegedly discovered multiple packages of blue pills concealed behind the trunk lining on both sides of the vehicle. A subsequent search at Homeland Security Investigations in Albuquerque uncovered additional packages of pills alongside the rear quarter panel. A sample of the pills tested positive for fentanyl. In total, officers recovered approximately 10.7 kilograms of fentanyl pills.

Rugerio and Perez are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Perez will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. Rugerio will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026. If convicted of the current charge, Rugerio and Perez face up to life in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan G. McRae of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso made the announcement today.

HSI Albuquerque investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Cortesi is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.