New Mexico State Police officer recognized by White House for 2023 traffic stop

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Multiple law enforcement personnel are being recognized for their contributions to help alleviate the nation’s drug epidemic. A New Mexico officer made the list.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has released a list of officials and agencies recognized for their work to fight against criminal networks and drug trafficking. The honorees were dignified for their achievements at the United States Interdiction Coordinator Awards.

“Since Day One, President Biden has taken historic action and made historic investments to support law enforcement and drug-related crime prevention as part of his whole-of-society effort to address the overdose epidemic,” said ONDCP Director Dr. Rahul Gupta. “I’m proud to honor the heroic efforts of these law enforcement leaders today who are working tirelessly around the clock to prevent deadly drugs from reaching our communities and hurting vulnerable Americans. The Biden-Harris Administration is grateful for their steadfast partnership, and will continue to support life-saving law enforcement efforts to reduce overdoses, deprive drug traffickers of their profits, and keep Americans safe.”

ONDCP recognized New Mexico State Police Officer Julian Armijo for “highway interdictions” after an incident in September 2023. Armijo was conducting a traffic stop when he noticed “indicators of criminal activity,” which provoked a probable cause search. He reportedly found 10.5 kilograms of fentanyl pills. The driver was charged for possession. The investigation also uncovered details in the murder of Froylan Villegas, an 11-year-old boy. Villegas was outside of Isotopes Park in a vehicle with his cousin, Tatiana Villegas, when he was shot and killed. His cousin was also injured.

Other categories recognized include: Special recognition, maritime interdiction, land interdiction, international investigations, illicit finance, emerging threats, domestic investigations, and cyber investigations.

Officials with the Biden-Harris Administration said they have been addressing the overdose epidemic through law enforcement funding. To learn about the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, click here.

Read about how the White House is funding law enforcement to tackle these issues by clicking here.