ALBUQUERQUE — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man is facing federal charges after allegedly selling cocaine and a machinegun conversion device to undercover agents.
According to court documents, on August 19, 2025, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of a machinegun conversion device from Victor Andrew Pardo Jr., 26, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for $300. The device was later analyzed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and determined to meet the legal definition of a machinegun. A records check confirmed that Pardo did not have any firearms registered to him under the National Firearms Act.
On January 27, 2026, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 249.6 grams of cocaine from Pardo in El Paso, Texas. Surveillance agents observed Pardo travel from his residence in Las Cruces to the meeting location, where he sold the cocaine to an undercover agent in exchange for $5,000. Laboratory testing later confirmed the substance was cocaine.
On February 19, 2026, investigators conducted a second controlled purchase of approximately 251.6 grams of cocaine from Pardo at his residence in Las Cruces. During the transaction, Pardo weighed the substance in front of the informant before exchanging it for $5,000. Laboratory analysis again confirmed the substance was cocaine.
Pardo is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Pardo faces up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Sarah Mauricio, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement today.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Army’s Criminal Investigations Division, the New Mexico State Police, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
