United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - - Earlier today, Charles Padilla, 44, of Albuquerque, N.M., made his initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  Padilla is temporarily detained pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing, both of which are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Padilla was arrested without incident on Nov. 30, 2012, after Drug Enforcement (DEA) agents seized approximately 21.1 pounds of methamphetamine from two residences and a vehicle allegedly associated with Padilla.

According to the complaint, DEA agents recovered approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine from a residence on the west side of Albuquerque and later seized another pound of methamphetamine from Padilla’s residence, also located on the west side.  The complaint alleges that the agents also recovered 19 firearms from Padilla’s bedroom as well as a pound of methamphetamine and another firearm from Padilla’s vehicle.

The maximum penalty for the narcotics trafficking offense charged in the criminal complaint is a mandatory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment. 

The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Walsh.

Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations.  Criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The DEA El Paso Division encourages parents, and their children to visit the following interactive websites at www.justthinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.