ALBUQUERQUE – A retired New Mexico State Police lieutenant is facing federal drug charges after investigators say he was caught transporting large quantities of fentanyl during a traffic stop on Interstate 40.
Carlos Antonio Perea, 56, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, according to federal court documents filed August 6 in U.S. District Court.
Investigators say Perea was traveling with 31-year-old Catherine Anne Schmidt when officers stopped their vehicle near mile marker 81 after observing it swerve across the fog line. During the stop, officers noted conflicting stories from the pair and deployed a K-9 unit, which alerted to the presence of drugs…