6 suspected in heroin operation arrested in Sunland Park

LAS CRUCES - Authorities arrested six people suspected in a heroin operation in Sunland Park on Monday, according to the Sunland Park Police Department.

Police Chief Jaime Reyes said in a news release that officers from his department, along with officials from the Drug Enforcement Agency, Border Patrol and 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, attempted to serve eight outstanding arrest warrants on Monday as part of the “Las Chivas” operation.

Six suspects were arrested:

• Manuel Rocha, 59, of the 200 block of Yucca
• Mario Peña, 51, of the 200 block of Posey
• Salvador Holguin, 32, of the 100 block of Monte Vista 
• Victoria Jaramillo, 64, of the 100 block of Palma
• Jose Villiscas, 45, of the 200 block of Calle Hidalgo
• Rogelio Arzate, 39, of the 2000 block of McNutt 

Holguin is being held on a $100,000 bond and the rest of the suspects are being held on a $50,000 bond.

Reyes said the suspects’ charges range from conspiracy with intent to distribute, a third-degree felony; conspiracy with possession of a controlled substance, a fourth-degree felony; possession of a controlled substance, a fourth-degree felony; and conspiracy to distribute an Imitation substance, a fourth-degree felony.

A total of 14 suspects have been arrested since the operation began in October 2015, Reyes said. Several of the suspects reportedly have ties to the Barrio Azteca prison gang.

Authorities are searching for two outstanding suspects: Mary Helen Velasco, 45, of the 300 block of Posey, and Juan Perez, 66, of the 100 block of Sierra Vista. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact their local authorities, Reyes said.