EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico State Police (NMSP) concluded Operation Deep Pockets in Las Cruces with arrests and seizures of multiple narcotics, according to the department on Friday, May 23.
According to NMSP, Operation Deep Pockets is a joint effort led by NMSP’s Crime Suppression Bureau, with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol.
The operation began in January 2025 “in response to citizen complaints regarding suspected drug activity,” NMSP said.
The months-long operation focused on combating drug-related crime in Las Cruces with multiple NMSP divisions, including Investigations, Special Operations and NMSP officers, according to the department.
Officers and agents executed warrants at numerous locations, where they had received multiple complaints of continuous narcotic activity, according to NMSP.
Data was compiled by NMSP analysts with agents mapping high-crime areas and launching a “series of targeted enforcement actions,” NMSP said.
NMSP Tactical Team, Las Cruces SWAT and Border Patrol’s BORTAC Unit served the warrants and searched the homes.
According to NMSP, one search of a residence revealed thousands of used needles and numerous pieces of burned foil, commonly associated with fentanyl use.
In addition, a search of another residence revealed roughly 63 grams of cocaine, 8 grams of methamphetamine and 3 pounds of marijuana, NMSP said.
There were also multiple firearms located and seized during the search.
“This operation’s mission was defined by collaborative efforts between agencies and their direct response to community concerns. The impact was felt immediately throughout the neighborhood as residents approached officers and expressed their gratitude for cleaning up their communities,” read the news release by NMSP.
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