‘He’s not convicted yet, but it’s a serious charge when a former high ranking state police officer turns to drug trafficking,’ KOAT legal expert John Day said
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
Retired New Mexico State Police Lt. Carlos Antonio Perea, 56, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Federal court documents filed with the United States District Court on Aug. 6, 2025, allege several packages of fentanyl were found inside a duffel bag and two spare tires in Perea’s vehicle during a traffic stop in August 2025.
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, KOAT legal expert John Day weighed in on the implications of case and what to expect if Perea is convicted of the charges. According to court documents, Perea’s arraignment is on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.
“He’s indicating, at least in his initial statements, according to law enforcement, that he was a drug trafficker who was good at his job because he was a former state police—a high ranking state police officer, Lieutenant,” Day said.
