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Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) – Three Colorado residents have been charged with operating a drug trafficking and money-laundering operation that brought methamphetamines and cocaine from Mexico through New Mexico for delivery to the interior of the United States. According to federal court records, 41- year old Ebajelina Silva and 42-year old Tania Maldonado participated in a drug operation that alleges Silva coordinated narcotics pickups and deliveries with another man identified as 42-year old Reymondo Mandonado. As part of the investigation, court records indicate that during a traffic stop in Otero County on July 7, 2025, police seized 146.7 kilos of pure methamphetamine and 4.875 kilos of cocaine from a concealed compartment in an enclosed trailer driven by Maldonado. The investigation later revealed that there had been several border crossings by the group as well as communications, financial records and other evidence linking the them to the drug operation. Both women, Silva and Maldonado are charged with one count of conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money. They will remain jailed until trial and if convicted could face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. Mandonado, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled and faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
