New Mexico man arrested on narcotics trafficking, firearms charges

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — A New Mexico man made his initial appearance Monday in federal court on charges of possessing methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute, and using and carrying firearms in relation to drug trafficking crimes. 

Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested David Krowner, 42, from Estancia, New Mexico, June 17 after a narcotics canine allegedly detected the odor of illegal drugs in his vehicle. HSI special agents searched the vehicle and discovered a large bin allegedly containing 20.7 kilograms (45.5 pounds) of methamphetamine, 1.8 kilograms (four poinds) of heroin, two bags of unidentified pills, and three firearms.

Krowner is set to have a preliminary and detention hearing June 21 in federal court.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation into Krowner began June 1 when HSI received information that Krowner was transporting large quantities of illegal drugs into the Albuquerque area.  On Friday, in addition to the methamphetamine, heroin and unidentified pills found in Krowner’s vehicle, special agents seized seven packages of steroids, two handguns, a shotgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.  The special agents also seized about $21,750 from the vehicle, and another $4,500 from a pocket of Krowner’s pants. 

If convicted of the narcotics trafficking charges in the complaint, Krowner faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.  If convicted of the firearms charges, Krowner faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison that must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the narcotics charges.

Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by HSI’s Border Enforcement and Security Taskforce (BEST), which includes officers of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), with assistance from APD’s Central Narcotics Unit. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Kraehe, District of New Mexico, is prosecuting this case.