DAD IN DRUG BUST AT HOME

Need to score some drugs but can't leave the house because of the kids? No
problem - the Albuquerque Police Department delivers.

Undercover city narcotics detectives earlier this week arrested a man after
he allegedly made a deal to buy 12 pounds of marijuana from a detective
posing as a dealer.

The detective, Lucas Townsend, said Friday he tried to arrange a meeting
place with 25-year-old Benjamin Naranjo, but Naranjo said it would have to
be at his home on Sharp Spur SW because he was watching his children.

The deal allegedly took place Tuesday evening outside Naranjo's home while
his 7-month-old girl and 3-year-old boy waited inside the home. In addition
to drug and weapons charges, Naranjo was charged with felony child abuse.

"We would have rather done the deal away from the house," Townsend said.

A search-warrant affidavit filed on the case in state District Court said
Naranjo and Townsend finalized the amount of marijuana and its price.

After Townsend went over to Naranjo's home, Naranjo allegedly handed
Townsend $4,800 in cash, and Townsend handed over a duffel bag of marijuana
obtained from police evidence through a court order, according to Townsend
and the affidavit.

Naranjo is a convicted felon, the affidavit said. The search of his home
and car allegedly turned up an AK-47 assault rifle, a Tec-9 assault pistol
and other weapons.

Naranjo faces charges involving drug distribution, child abuse and being a
felon in possession of firearms. He was released from the Bernalillo County
Detention Center on Wednesday after posting a $15,000 jail bond.

A phone message left for Naranjo on Friday was not returned.