An Albuquerque woman pleaded guilty to methamphetamine trafficking after one day of trial testimony, according to an announcement by federal authorities. Nora Baca, 67, entered the plea in federal court after evidence was presented regarding her involvement in a drug trafficking operation.
Court records and trial evidence indicated that on May 18, 2023, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force searched Baca’s northeast Albuquerque residence. During the search, agents found about three pounds of methamphetamine in the bedroom of her housemate and codefendant.
On September 10, 2024, following an investigation into a large-scale drug conspiracy involving gang members both inside and outside the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, New Mexico, Baca was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking. The charges came after a coordinated law enforcement operation on October 30, 2024, during which search warrants were executed at 13 locations across New Mexico, including Baca’s home. Authorities reported finding more methamphetamine and a firearm at her residence despite her being warned that agents were coming.
During the trial proceedings, prosecutors described Baca as “a known large-scale methamphetamine dealer who had supplied others with drugs.” This marks her second federal conviction for drug trafficking; she previously received a prison sentence in 2012 that was later reduced under revised federal sentencing guidelines.
Baca pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following her plea, she was ordered held in custody pending sentencing. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison under the terms of her plea agreement and will also be subject to supervised release and other penalties.
“First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Division Violent Gang Task Force and United States Marshals Service with support from CoreCivic Intelligence Unit and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and David Hirsch are prosecuting.
