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ATF offers reward following the recovery of destructive device in New Mexico

ATF Seeks Public Help Following Incidents in Northern New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M.— The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the placement and/or use of suspected destructive devices in the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. The items recovered in these incidents are more commonly referred to as improvised explosive or incendiary devices.

Between April 2, and May 8, 2026, multiple suspected destructive devices were recovered near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station in Tres Piedras, New Mexico. On August 10, 2026, an additional device was turned in to the Canjilon Ranger Station in Canjilon, New Mexico by a concerned citizen who reported to have found it.

The U.S. Forest Service and local law enforcement initially responded to each incident and requested further assistance from the ATF Phoenix Field Division. As a result, ATF Certified Explosives Specialists and Certified Fire Investigators collected evidence from the scenes which are now undergoing forensic examination at the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory. ATF is now the leading investigating law enforcement agency and continues to work alongside our local and federal law enforcement partners.

ATF reminds the public never to handle suspicious objects. Improvised explosive and incendiary devices can be extremely unstable and cause severe injury or property damage. Anyone who finds a suspicious item should immediately leave the area and call local law enforcement.

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips . Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com .