DRUGS IN NEW MEXICO

• In 2019, 2 of 3 overdose deaths involved opioids, heroin or fentanyl
• One person in NM dies from fentanyl every day
• In 2019, NM ranked 12th highest in US drug overdoses (41% higher than US rates
• In 2018, NM STUDENTS ranked 2nd in cocaine & ecstacy, 5th in meth, and 8th in heroin use

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Stand strong against crime and drugs
• Stand against open borders
• Stand against sanctuary cities
• Vote for increased mental health funding
• Vote for candidates who support these issues

MORE DETAILS

• Illicit drug smuggling in New Mexico is largely due to Mexican criminal groups and cartels, commonly described as “DTO”s – drug trafficking organizations   

• Drugs being smuggled in are: cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin and marijuana. Included in these drugs are Ecstasy and Fentanyl (which is a synthetically produced opioid)      

• The #1 killer in persons ages 18-45 are Fentanyl overdoses .

Why are New Mexico and Albuquerque among the worst states and cities in the U.S. for crime?   What are the contributors and what are the consequences of the high violent crimes and property crimes?   

• New Mexico’s “boot heel” is a sparsely populated area whose geography and topography make it very vulnerable to illicit drug smuggling   • Open Borders – people from over 100 countries cross our southern border every year  - who are they?   

• Proliferation of gangs is mainly based on profiting on drugs and sex trafficking. Many are linked to the Mexico, Central America and South America drug cartels.    

• “Gates” and holes in the border fence also allow vehicles and individuals to easily cross into New Mexico    

• New Mexico is essentially a sanctuary state. Current NM policies in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces do not require illegals that have been apprehended for crimes to be referred to the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) authorities for deportation. They are frequently found to be repeat offenders.    

• Know your judges! Many are using a revolving door for criminals having prior felony convictions, and many repeat offend.**    

• Ongoing under-staffed and under-supported law enforcement. There are approximately 864 current officers in Albuquerque. The national statistics average is approximately 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents, and using this standard, 1,300 officers are needed in Albuquerque.    

• Qualified Immunity – This DOJ policy keeps police officers safe from civil law suits. On April 10, 2021 Governor Grisham signed a law eliminating qualified immunity as a defense for law enforcement and public officials. Whether you agree or disagree, it makes it harder to recruit and retain law enforcement officers.   

• Morale among law enforcement is down and recruiting and retention of 

qualified law enforcement officers is negatively impacted.

*U. S. Dept. of Justice, National Drug Intelligence Center, Sept. 2011  

**New Mexico Constitution Article II