ALBUQUERQUE — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), published as received.

ALBUQUERQUE – Three people in Farmington are accused of participating in a drug trafficking organization after investigators seized cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, ammunition and thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds.

According to court records, on June 9, 2026, federal agents and members of the Region II Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a Farmington residence occupied by Alex Scott Rowland, 18, Marco Antonio Villegas Avilez, 46, and Karyle Leanne Rowland, 65. During the search, agents recovered multiple firearms, including AK and AR style rifles, a short barreled rifle, handguns, a machine gun conversion device, approximately 430 grams of cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, mushrooms, ammunition, and approximately $14,700 in cash.

A table displaying several boxed firearms, stacks of cash, and small clear evidence bags.
A table displaying several boxed firearms, stacks of cash, and small clear evidence bags.

Alex Rowland, Villegas Avilez and Karyle Rowland are charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, the defendants face five to 20 years in prison. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Region II Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. 

This case was brought forth through FBI’s Operation Steadfast Promise which is a comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent crime threats including gangs and criminal enterprises, violent crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension cases while working to improve public safety in Tribal communities.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.