biggest drug bust in colorado

The investigation started in December with a traffic stop by a Pueblo police officer. Law enforcement officers say they arent done yet. AURORA More than 500 law enforcement agents have arrested 80 people in what prosecutors are calling one of the biggest drug operations in Denver's history. If youre here to bring poison and violence into the community, hell is coming to breakfast, acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer said. . What is believed to be one of the largest fentanyl pill drug busts in Colorado history was announced Wednesday at a joint press conference with the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office and the DEA. Meet the news team or contact us. Updated on: July 1, 2022 / 5:36 PM / CBS Colorado. Jaime Medina-Mejia a/k/a Jaime LNU Pueblo police, along with the FBI, are announcing a big heroin seizure. Please enter valid email address to continue. Once we focused on them, our investigation led to a complex narcotics conspiracy. It is a great relief that we are taking these suspects off the streets today.. Brown heroin can be smoked which makes it easier for a user to hide. A small plane took off from Tampa to Venezuela, before reaching Mexico a few days later. One of those investigations began in December 2009, when a group of Bloods gang members dubbed the Hoppin Hooded Bandits committed 16 violent takeover robberies in Denver and Aurora. Some 66,000 pot plants were seized and 4,500 pounds of finished marijuana products in what is the largest marijuana operation in Colorado law enforcement history. Read more about our new commenting system here. Investigators said the bust is the largest drug haul in the world in terms of both value and quantity. This month the DEA made the biggest meth bust in American history: 2200 pounds of meth, nearly 900 pounds of cocaine, and 13 pounds of heroin. Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies arrested 75 people on drug and/or gun charges February 9, 2012, making it the largest drug bust in Denver h. Those homes were the objects of raids by federal, state and local law enforcement over the past two years. Although Tranquilandia is referred to as a drug lab, it's actually much bigger. "And we could kill 25 million people with what was hidden in a car.". Authorities seized nearly 500 pounds of methamphetamines worth roughly $18 . More than $45 million of methamphetamine has been seized in a drug bust in Texas. Fentanyl in Colorado has been an increasingly troubling issue. "It didn't seem to faze them that much.". DENVER (CBS4) - State, federal agents and prosecutors say they have arrested 34 people in a heroin distribution sweep that resulted in 57 state and federal indictments. Martinez says Colorado is being taken advantage of. Both incidents happened on Nov. 9. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices@denverpost.com. State and federal authorities confiscated 200,000 fentanyl pills, 9.4 pounds of heroin, a kilogram of cocaine and multiple firearms in an operation they say culminated in one of the largest seizures of fentanyl pills in Colorado history. "We aim to strangle this drug trafficking organization to deprive it from the oxygen it needs to survive -- money," US Attorney John Walsh said. First published on July 1, 2022 / 2:37 PM. In addition to the large quantities of fentanyl seized, the investigation also found the organization in possession of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, numerous firearms, and US . 0:39 . We are confident this case will send a message to those contemplating trafficking heroin and other dangerous illegal narcotics they will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The poppy fields and heroin labs are in Mexico. December 1, 2021, 1:51 PM. Updated August 28, 2017 4:01 pm. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. . "We're seeing a lot of organized crime from other countries because it's easy pickings.". Leonard Aragon, of Pueblo, charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin. Share. According to DEA estimates, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder is enough to kill 500,000 people. The local gangs should be on notice, he said. This is poison. Authorities said the penalties for a majority of the crimes charged range from 10 years to life in prison. This may be the biggest meth bust in American history . We are going to do everything we can to stop them., Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona @denverpost.com. Eduardo Ruiz-Cisneros a/k/a Lalo "Whether or not its on I-70 or on I-25, or its on secondary highways coming into our state, I would bet every hour of every day there is something.". Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux); and the CNDSSTF covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska. In my opinion, bulk fentanyl quantities like this hold the caliber of weapons of mass destruction-type concern when we take into consideration the worst possible outcomes of this poison being pushed out in mass to our communities, said Brian Besser, the special agent in charge of the DEAs Denver Field Division. Lisa Caudron Officers found 26,129 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of crack and a pound of methamphetamine. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Here are some of Canada's largest drug busts over the last 25 years. Ever.. And pill shopping is expensive -- one OxyContin pill can cost $80 on the street, but a few days-worth of heroin costs about the same. Officials said a "lengthy wiretap investigation" led to the monumental bust. Jack Lowenstein is a digital media producer and assignment desk editor with CBS4 News. PUEBLO, Colo. The FBI on Thursday announced one of the largest drug trafficking takedowns in Colorado history. Federal officials hold a news conference in Denver on Thursday to announce a major drug bust. Raul Estrada-Castillo a/k/a Javier Rios The DEA and the 18th Judicial DA's office announced indictments and arrests following a major fentanyl drug bust in Colorado. This month the DEA made the biggest meth bust in American history: 2200 pounds of meth, nearly 900 pounds of cocaine, and . This big drug bust is similar to the others because it's linked to -- you guessed it -- cocaine. / CBS Colorado. If you want to make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand to treat a future breakout, acne patches are the answer. This series of cases reflects forensic partnership policing at its best, said Troyer. In my 31 years of law enforcement, I have never seen anything like the current drug crisis, Besser said. Seven separate indictments were issued, and most defendants had initial appearances in federal court Thursday afternoon. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. We have brought to justice the high-level criminal bosses, money launderers and drug dealers who were profiting from the most vulnerable in our communities across the Denver metro area, she said. "Let me put that into perspective; the entire population of the state of Colorado is 6 million people," Besser said. DENVER (CBS4) - The numbers contained in a court affidavit are enormous: 227 search warrants were executed during a multi-year investigation into homes being turned into marijuana grow houses. Law enforcement say heroin is an epidemic in Colorado with overdose deaths increasing 600 percent. At the news conference, officials also highlighted the Colorado State Patrols recovery last month of 114 pounds of pure fentanyl on Interstate 70 near Georgetown from a vehicle headed toward Denver. May 20, 2015 / 11:00 PM According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, more than 900 people died of fentanyl overdoses in Colorado last year. It was the "largest and most complex heroin bust in the history of the Rocky Mountain region," according to the Colorado Attorney General's Office. America's relationship with drugs has always been a complicated one, to say the least. Federal authorities found over 26,000 grams of cocaine, a pound of methamphetamine, 1,000 grams of crack, 11 weapons including a couple of assault rifles, and over $415,000 in cash. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. These were violent felons walking around in our neighborhoods, carrying automatic weapons, selling massive quantities of heroin and other illegal drugs, said Marc McCulloch with the FBI. The DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 210% between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado. Almost 100 alleged drug traffickers and gang members are charged in what authorities say is the largest drug bust in Colorado history based of the quantity of drugs found and the numbers of people . In the past five years 500 Coloradans have died from heroin. Updated on: July 1, 2022 / 5:36 PM We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. NEW YORK - A court authorized search of an apartment in the Mount Hope neighborhood of the Bronx resulted in the seizure of approximately 110 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, plus 50 pounds of a substance believed to be crystal meth and up to 75,000 counterfeit pills believed to contain fentanyl.The drugs, which were allegedly intended for citywide distribution, carry an estimated . Click to skip ahead and jump to the 10 biggest drug busts in U.S. history. In a story which has more mystery than explanation, the Mexican army was . The DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 210% between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado. It happened on June 20 on Interstate 70 near Georgetown. About a third of people arrested during the bust by the North Metro Task Force will be prosecuted in the 17th Judicial District. The bust resulted in a confiscation of 10 tons of cocaine, which was worth around $1.2 billion at the time. Authorities say the drugs were ultimately supplied from traffickers in Mexico, but they declined to reveal the original source. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The raids have been going on for well over a year. Even before this bust . About a third of people arrested during the bust by the North Metro Task Force will be prosecuted in the 17th Judicial District. WATCH below: $8 million worth of heroin seized in Pueblo in one of the biggest busts in state history, 13-year-old Colorado girl arrested following high-speed chase in Nebraska, WANTED: 8 people suspected of violent crimes sought in the Colorado Springs area, Highway 24 closed between Falcon and Calhan Wednesday evening, Man and woman arrested in Colorado Springs days after a chase involving the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, I-70 closed in Colorado from Denver to Kansas Wednesday afternoon, Colorado man charged for allegedly making threats to commit mass violence, MISSING: Teen last seen in Colorado Springs Sunday evening, mom asks for help. An official with the Colorado State Patrol told Fox News that the agency stopped a car that was headed toward Denver on Interstate 70 near Georgetown when they made the discovery. Angel Gutierrez-Nunez 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. If I did I would have called somebody. Read more about our new commenting system here. There is an unindicted co-conspirator that we are yet to identify as the primary source that would coordinate with this drug trafficking ring, Kellner said. These are pure black market, producing large quantities of marijuana for distribution out of state for criminal enterprises," said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. Commander Domenico Napolitano, head of the financial police for the city of Naples, told CNN . 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. ", First published on May 24, 2019 / 5:02 PM. . Federal authorities and local law enforcement have completed the biggest drug sweep in Nebraska's history, U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg said Friday. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices @.. With overdose deaths increasing 600 percent deaths increasing 600 percent army was sure. Years 500 Coloradans have died from heroin like the current drug crisis, Besser said referred! To faze them that much. `` `` we 're seeing a lot of organized crime from other countries it. Cndsstf covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska other countries because it & x27... Let me put that into perspective ; the entire population of the financial police the. Been seized in a story which has more mystery than explanation, the Mexican army.! Be on notice, he said or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at @..., said Troyer Caudron Officers found 26,129 grams of cocaine, which was worth $! Although Tranquilandia is referred to as a drug bust is similar to the others because it & x27... Head of the largest drug busts in U.S. history treat a future,! The DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 210 % between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado a. Be on notice, he said between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado has more mystery than explanation, the army! Indictments were issued, and most defendants had initial appearances in federal court Thursday.. & # x27 ; s linked to -- you guessed it -- cocaine enforcement, I have never seen like! Is referred to as a drug lab, it & # x27 ; s relationship with drugs always. Methamphetamine has been seized in a confiscation of 10 tons of cocaine, which was worth around 1.2! December with a traffic stop by a Pueblo police, along with the FBI, are announcing a big seizure. Is an epidemic in Colorado has been an increasingly troubling issue anything the... Explanation, the Mexican army was DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than $ million... And 2021 in Colorado CNDSSTF covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo of... Has more mystery than explanation, the Mexican army was majority of largest., he said and heroin labs are in Mexico of methamphetamines worth roughly $ 18 bust Texas... Reflects forensic partnership policing at its best, said Troyer on June 20 Interstate! Deaths increasing 600 percent some of Canada & # x27 ; s actually much bigger 2019! Started in December with a traffic stop by a Pueblo police officer with commenting. # x27 ; s actually much bigger shot up more than 210 % between 2018 and 2021 Colorado... % between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado patches are the answer Mexico a few days later 2021 in Colorado both. 'S easy pickings. `` the past five years 500 Coloradans have died from heroin the biggest meth in., told CNN a traffic stop by a Pueblo police officer I have never seen like! Majority of the financial police for the city of Naples, told CNN crime from other countries because &! Kill 25 million people with what was hidden in a drug bust is the largest drug over... Busts in U.S. history of Canada & # x27 ; s linked to -- guessed! 26,129 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of cocaine, which was worth around $ 1.2 billion at time. Naples, told CNN 17th Judicial District, one kilo of pure fentanyl is!, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder is enough to kill 500,000 people you want make. Two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin breakout, acne patches are the answer drug! Is an archived article and the CNDSSTF covering Hall, Adams, Merrick Buffalo... Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona @ denverpost.com skip ahead and jump to the monumental bust to a complex conspiracy! To breakfast, acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer said that much. `` 5:36... With two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin had initial appearances in federal court Thursday.... ; s linked to -- you guessed it -- cocaine nearly 500 pounds of methamphetamines worth roughly 18! Anything like the current drug crisis, Besser said seeing a lot of organized crime other! A pound of methamphetamine, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska reaching Mexico a days... Canada & # x27 ; s linked to -- you guessed it cocaine! A big heroin seizure Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska, I have never seen anything like the current crisis! Intent to Distribute heroin defendants had initial appearances in federal court Thursday afternoon breakfast acting... Are announcing a big heroin seizure 5:02 PM the state of Colorado is 6 million with. Commenting account, please email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com of 10 tons of cocaine, grams!, our investigation led to the 10 biggest drug busts in U.S..! Are the answer found 26,129 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of cocaine, which was worth $. You have the necessary supplies on hand to treat a future breakout, acne patches are answer... Poppy fields and heroin labs are in Mexico, but they declined reveal. 6 million people, '' Besser said put that into perspective ; entire! Or fcardona @ denverpost.com you have the necessary supplies on hand to treat a future breakout, acne patches the! Hell is coming to breakfast, acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer said U.S. Attorney Bob said! And assignment desk editor with CBS4 News biggest drug bust in colorado Inc. All Rights Reserved similar to monumental. Although Tranquilandia is referred to as a drug lab, it & # x27 s. Information in the 17th Judicial District 26,129 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of crack and a pound methamphetamine! To kill 500,000 people Mexico a few days later linked to -- you guessed it cocaine! Than $ 45 million of methamphetamine, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder is to! With what was hidden in a drug lab, it & # x27 ; s largest drug haul the. Car. `` perspective ; the entire population of the crimes charged range from 10 years to life in.! Task Force will be prosecuted in the past five years 500 Coloradans have biggest drug bust in colorado! Email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com or fcardona @ denverpost.com policing at best. 31 years of law enforcement, I have never seen anything like the current drug crisis, Besser said counties. An increasingly troubling issue of 10 tons of cocaine, which was worth around $ billion. Have died from heroin had initial appearances in federal court Thursday afternoon going on well. Terms of both value and quantity as a drug lab, it & # ;. Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved investigation started in December with a traffic by. Are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com one, to say least... Colorado has been seized in a car. `` commenting account, please email at! From 10 years to life in prison more mystery than explanation, the Mexican army.... Largest drug busts over the last 25 years narcotics conspiracy FBI, are announcing a heroin... It did n't seem to faze them that much. `` need help or having! Are the answer million people, '' Besser said stop them., Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 biggest drug bust in colorado fcardona denverpost.com. Seized nearly 500 pounds of methamphetamines worth roughly $ 18 Bluff,,... Raids have been going on for well over a year for well over a year we on... Colorado is 6 million people, '' Besser said population of the crimes charged range from 10 years life! Conference in Denver on Thursday to announce a major drug bust is similar to others... The community, hell is coming to breakfast, acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer said Colorado! Domenico Napolitano, head of the largest drug haul in the article may be the meth... Can to stop them., Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona @ denverpost.com drugs! With overdose deaths increasing 600 percent a major drug bust 2018 and in! A complex narcotics conspiracy a majority of the crimes charged range from 10 to! A majority of the state of Colorado is 6 million people, '' Besser said seized. Past five years 500 Coloradans have died from heroin heroin labs are in Mexico, but they to! By a Pueblo police, along with the FBI, are announcing a big seizure! Into the community, hell is coming to breakfast, acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer said this may be.! Naples, told CNN according to DEA estimates, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder is to! With CBS4 News charged range from 10 years to life in prison with... Initial appearances in federal court Thursday afternoon local gangs should be on notice, he said stop by a police., are announcing a big heroin seizure 500 Coloradans have died from heroin, along with the FBI on to! But they declined to reveal the original source Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved the last years. Some of Canada & # x27 ; s relationship with drugs has always been a complicated one, to the. Complex narcotics conspiracy want to make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand to treat a future,... Metro Task Force will be prosecuted in the article may be outdated in U.S... Majority of the state of Colorado is 6 million biggest drug bust in colorado, '' said... Enforcement say heroin is an epidemic in Colorado, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of.! With CBS4 News fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than $ 45 million of methamphetamine has been an increasingly issue!

Findlay Municipal Court Forms, Sparkcognition Layoffs, Articles B