White Mountain Drug Task Force, Otero County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up “Operation Desert Sweep” – 32 Arrests, Meth Seized in Coordinated Bust

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — Law enforcement agencies across southern New Mexico delivered a major blow to illegal narcotics activity on Thursday, May 1, 2026, with the successful completion of Operation Desert Sweep.

According to a press release from the Otero County Sheriff’s Office, the White Mountain Drug Task Force, working alongside the Otero County Sheriff’s Office and the Alamogordo Police Department, teamed up with a wide range of federal, state, tribal, and local partners to target individuals with outstanding drug-related warrants and execute multiple search warrants.

Participating agencies included:

• U.S. Border Patrol BORTAC Team and Agents

• United States Marshals Service

• New Mexico Adult Probation and Parole Division

• Cloudcroft Police Department

• New Mexico State Police

• New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

• New Mexico Corrections Department Security Intelligence Unit

• Bureau of Indian Affairs

Results of the Operation:

• Approximately 32 individuals were arrested and booked on outstanding narcotics-related warrants.

• Seven additional warrants were served on inmates already at the Otero County Detention Center for unrelated charges.

• Nine search warrants were executed, leading to the seizure of over 100 grams of methamphetamine.

• With assistance from the New Mexico State Police, authorities also arrested three individuals in Roswell and one in Santa Fe connected to the operation.

Undersheriff Raul Robles and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office extended thanks to the Otero County Detention Center for their support and to the Otero County Prison Facility in Chaparral for assistance with transportation.

“This successful operation highlights the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies working together to combat illegal narcotics activity and enhance public safety throughout our communities,” the release stated.

Sheriff David Black and Undersheriff Raul Robles lead the Otero County Sheriff’s Office at 3208 N. White Sands Blvd. in Alamogordo. Additional details may be released as the investigation continues.

Operations like Desert Sweep serve as a strong reminder that local, state, and federal partners remain focused on keeping drugs off our streets and making Otero County and the surrounding areas safer for families, businesses, and visitors. We’ll continue following this story and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

Stay safe out there, Alamogordo.

For more information, contact the Otero County Sheriff’s Office at (575) 437-2210.

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