Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

ALBUQUERQUE - An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 220 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of narcotics in Albuquerque.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, beginning in August 2024, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department Narcotics Unit investigated Quontez Kuvinka, 26, and his fentanyl trafficking organization. The investigation identified Kuvinka as a source of supply who provided fentanyl and methamphetamine to a courier who, on multiple occasions in September 2024, sold the drugs to an undercover law enforcement officer. Kuvinka also personally sold fentanyl and cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer during controlled purchases.

On October 8, 2024, agents conducting surveillance observed Kuvinka leave his residence and drive to a pre-arranged drug transaction location, where he was expected to supply narcotics for distribution. Law enforcement approached Kuvinka while he was seated in his vehicle, and he attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.

A subsequent search of Kuvinka's vehicle revealed approximately 442.6 grams of fentanyl (equivalent to roughly 4,400 pills), approximately 267.5 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 7 grams of cocaine, along with drug trafficking paraphernalia. Officers also recovered eight firearms and ammunition from the vehicle, including multiple weapons equipped with machinegun conversion devices capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.

As a previously convicted felon, Kuvinka is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Kuvinka pleaded guilty to conspiracy, distribution of cocaine, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to five years of supervised release.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Chief of Police Cecily Barker of the Albuquerque Police Department made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department.