Inmates discover loaded firearms during routine I-25 trash pickup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Brittany Roembach

Public Information Officer, Corrections Department

Brittany.roembach@cd.nm.gov

505-382-3541

January 31, 2025

Inmates discover loaded firearms during routine I-25 trash pickup

SANTA FE – New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) inmates discovered two fully loaded 9mm handguns hidden beneath tumbleweeds along Interstate 25 near the Santo Domingo exit (Exit 259) during a routine trash pickup on Jan. 27.

The inmates immediately alerted the supervising correctional officer, who took swift action.

“We are grateful that this situation was resolved safely and quickly, thanks to the prompt response of our supervising correctional officer, as well as the inmates,” said NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero.

After the discovery, the inmate work crew returned to the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, where all nine inmates were carefully searched and interviewed by the NMCD Security Threat Intelligence Unit, which did not result in any findings. The New Mexico State Police took custody of the firearms for further investigation.

Media Kit: Attached are photos of the recovered firearms.

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The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) is one of the largest state departments in New Mexico. The department staff and volunteers are fully committed to integrating programs in its facilities for rehabilitation. It is through programs and services the department aims to improve outcomes for offenders and enhance public safety in communities. For more information, visit cd.nm.gov or follow NMCD on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , X at @NMCDPIO.