State Police seize drugs and guns during ‘Operation Alien Town Takedown’ in Roswell. Courtesy/NMSP

NMSP News:

CHAVEZ COUNTY — New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Crime Suppression Bureau (South) teamed up with Investigations Bureau and District 3 Uniform Bureau to conduct a warrant operation in Chavez County.

Operation Alien Town Takedown occurred Jan. 15-19 in Roswell in Chaves County.

The operation’s goal was to identify, interdict and arrest all major criminals in possession and/or distributing narcotics, felony related crimes, to include felony warrants.

The operation yielded 23 felony warrant arrests and 1 misdemeanor warrant arrest;

• 5 firearms seized;
  • 3 9mm handguns;
  • 1 12-gauge shotgun; and
  • 1 stolen .38 revolver.
• Drugs seized;
  • Marijuana – 90.62 pounds;
  • Cocaine – 34.8 grams;
  • Fentanyl pills – 15;
  • Methamphetamine – 9.6 grams; and
• Cash seized;
  • $51,615 cash.

Significant Events

Jan. 17, 2024, while assigned to the operation in Roswell, Uniform Officers were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle call. Dispatch reported that a white in color Dodge Ram 1500, with Texas plates, had lost a black plastic bag on the road. Inside the bag there were what appeared to be air-sealed bags that were assumed to be marijuana.

This occurred on US 380 and Whitemill Road just east of Roswell.

NMSP officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, near 2nd Street and Relief Route. The driver refused to exit the vehicle, after officers made several announcements for him to exit. After some time had passed, the driver exited the vehicle, was detained, and identified as Don Wester, 53.

A K9 alerted to the vehicle. A Search Warrant was obtained and executed, and officers seized approximately 90.62 pounds of marijuana, 34.8g of cocaine, a stolen .38 S&W revolver, and $51,615 in US currency.

Wester was charged with resisting, evading, and obstructing a peace officer, distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, trafficking a controlled substance and possession of a stolen firearm.

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, while officers and agents were at a residence attempting to locate a suspect, John M. Campbell, 56, they observed Campbell driving a vehicle by the residence. A traffic stop was conducted, and Campbell was arrested for a felony warrant.

An individual identified as Everett Brakeman, 70, arrived on scene to pick up Campbell’s vehicle. As officers were confirming he had an eligible driver’s license, it was discovered Brakeman had a felony warrant. He was arrested without incident.

“In pursuit of justice, the New Mexico State Police, through Operation Alien Town Takedown, orchestrated a collaboration between the Crime Suppression Bureau, Investigations Bureau, and District 3 Uniform Bureau. Their unwavering determination stands as a testament to the State Police’s commitment to rid our communities of criminal influence,” NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said.