ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Nancy Edith Duarte-Lujan, 39, of Deming, New Mexico, appeared in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico today for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging her with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to the criminal complaint, Duarte-Lujan allegedly tried to enter the United States on March 23 at the port of entry in Columbus, New Mexico with a large quantity of marijuana concealed in the spare tire, fenders, back seat and tailgate of the truck she was driving. U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Duarte-Lujan following an inspection of her vehicle.
Duarte-Lujan is currently in custody pending a detention hearing on March 30. She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the charged offenses. A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Bartlett is prosecuting the case.
Information from Department of Justice