Specialized Units Partner on Operation Leading to Large Seizure of Drugs and Guns
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department has arrested two people following a successful undercover operation that led to the seizure of hundreds of fentanyl pills and several firearms. The offenders were also arrested in a stolen bait car.
The operation, conducted on May 20, stemmed from an earlier undercover purchase, where a detective bought approximately 200 fentanyl pills from Jonathan Hedgecock near Coors and Iliff N.W. During that purchase, Hedgecock expressed interest in selling firearms and acquiring a "G-Ride", which is a term used for a stolen vehicle.
The undercover detective worked closely with Auto Theft Detectives as Hedgecock wanted to trade a stolen vehicle along with cash for additional fentanyl and firearms. A meeting was arranged near San Pedro and Central. Multiple units conducted surveillance to ensure a secure environment.
When Hedgecock arrived to make the trade, he was with Dominic Garcia. Both men were armed and Hedgecock openly carried a pistol in his waistband. When undercover detectives told Hedgecock the vehicle was stolen, he requested to drive it.
The men were followed to a predesignated area near Chama and Central S.E., where the vehicle’s engine was disabled, and a high-risk stop was executed.
The operation resulted in the seizure of the following:
- 3 firearms (1 of which was stolen)
- 300 fentanyl pills
- 7 grams of methamphetamine
- 7 grams of heroin
- 7 grams of cocaine
- 1 sealed vehicle
Both Hedgecock and Garcia were arrested and are facing multiple felony charges. Additionally, four outstanding felony warrants were cleared as a result of the operation.
"This operation is a testament to the collaborative efforts of specialized units within our department," said Chief Harold Medina. "The coordination and teamwork displayed by our officers allowed us to successfully remove dangerous drugs and firearms from the streets and make our community safer."
The department remains committed to disrupting criminal activity and protecting public safety through continued operations and cooperation between various specialized units.
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