Las Cruces Man Accused of Breaking into Cannabis Dispensary and Stealing $1K in Product

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico — A local man faces multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a cannabis dispensary in Las Cruces and fleeing with approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise, according to court documents and police reports released on Tuesday.

The burglary took place in the early morning hours of March 11, 2024. Security alarms at the dispensary alerted law enforcement to a break-in. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered a shattered front window where the suspect had forced entry into the retail area of the store. Surveillance footage from the business captured the suspect smash the glass, enter the building, and quickly fill a bag with various cannabis products, including flower and concentrates, before fleeing on foot.

Officers patrolling the surrounding area spotted a man matching the description from the security footage a short distance from the scene. The suspect was detained, and officers located a bag containing the stolen merchandise, valued at roughly $1,000, along with tools used during the break-in.

The suspect has been booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center. He faces charges of commercial burglary, larceny (over $500 but under $2,500), and criminal damage to property. The dispensary owners expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the Las Cruces Police Department, noting that security upgrades are being planned to prevent future incidents.