As part of operations to dismantle the Chuco Tango gang – a criminal group based in prisons that operates on the streets – a university student under 18 years of age who was carrying a machine gun was arrested.
The detainee, identified as Juan Moreno, was released under strict conditions after being arrested for illegal possession of a machine gun, causing great concern in his community. The judge in charge of the case, aware of the seriousness of the situation, established a series of precautionary measures to ensure that the accused does not represent a danger while awaiting trial.
The conditions imposed by the judge include mandatory residence at his mother’s home, active employment seeking, an absolute ban on possessing firearms or ammunition, abstention from alcohol, regular drug testing and appropriate treatment, and a mental health evaluation and treatment.
Moreno must also observe a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, wear a GPS ankle monitor, and is restricted to traveling only within Doña Ana and El Paso counties.
“Absolutely no possession of any type of firearm,” Judge Torres emphatically reminded him during the hearing, stressing the importance of complying with all restrictions.
A seemingly normal life
Moreno, who until his arrest led a seemingly normal life as a university student, surprised many when he was found in possession of the machine gun.
Friends and family describe him as a quiet young man, dedicated to his studies, but authorities fear that the situation is more complex than it seems.
The case of Juan Moreno came to light amid a broader investigation into drug trafficking in the region, although he has not been directly linked to any cartel or gang. However, the circumstances surrounding him have raised concerns about the possible access of students and young people to high-calibre weapons and its implications for public safety.
Parallels in the region
Moreno’s arrest is not an isolated incident. In a separate hearing, Daniel Baeza, aka “Raccoon,” was charged with selling 90 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential FBI informant after arranging the meeting through text messages and phone calls. Baeza, who was arrested for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, denies involvement in gang activity, according to his attorney, Robert Ramos.
Unlike Moreno, Baeza is a U.S. citizen who lives in Las Cruces, works in groundskeeping and has no criminal record.
Despite these differences, both cases highlight the growing concern about the proliferation of drugs and weapons in the region, affecting both young students and low-income residents.
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