Las Cruces Brothers Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

ALBUQUERQUE - Two Las Cruces brothers were sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking and firearms offenses after law enforcement seized fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and multiple firearms during searches of their residence and vehicle.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on March 7, 2024, agents with the FBI and Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics executed a search warrant at a residence in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where brothers Eddie Linarez, 32, and Nathan Quintana, 28, lived. Before executing the warrant, agents observed Linarez leave the residence in a truck and return shortly afterward. Agents detained Linarez in the driveway and searched his vehicle and the residence.

During the search of Linarez's vehicle, agents found a backpack containing 58 net grams of pure methamphetamine, 88.6 net grams of fentanyl, 31.5 net grams of cocaine, a loaded firearm and approximately $7,000 in cash.

During the search of the residence, agents found five firearms in Quintana's bedroom, including two rifles and two handguns under the bed and a handgun on the windowsill near a bag containing fentanyl. Three of the firearms were loaded. In the closet, agents found 120 net grams of fentanyl and 735.9 net grams of cocaine. Agents also found additional fentanyl and methamphetamine, a digital scale with narcotics residue and approximately $2,000 in cash in common areas of the residence.

On March 6, 2025, FBI and Metro Narcotics agents executed a second search warrant at the residence. Linarez was observed approaching the residence as agents were executing the warrant. When agents attempted to stop him, Linarez fled in a vehicle at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, he drove around a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended and lights activated, entering oncoming traffic. Agents later lost sight of Linarez and ended the pursuit. Linarez remained a fugitive for six days before surrendering to law enforcement.

During the March 6, 2025, search, agents found approximately 120 grams of fentanyl, 89.6 grams of cocaine, approximately $3,841 in suspected drug proceeds and a loaded handgun in the residence.

Linarez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Quintana pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced to 147 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez prosecuted the cases.