Fentanyl-tainted pills "flooded" Denver's metro area during the pandemic, the office said. Updated: 2:03 PM MDT August 23, 2019. The shipment was sent to a location which was under investigation for several weeks, they stated in a news release. The warrants were part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The charges range from racketeering and conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. Denver Field Division Action Special Agent in Charge David Olesky from the DEA was joined by Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Executive Director Keith Weis and 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner. Keep it Clean. Be Proactive. After large fentanyl bust, Colorado drug enforcement officials warn public not to get weary of news. The sheriff's office released photos of the drugs, which included more than three pound of heroin, 9 pounds of meth and $113,000 in cash. In addition, investigators found four long guns, two handguns, body armor, a homemade silencer and three hand grenades. 22 firearms including some stolen, illegally . Rivera-Beltran is being held on $1 million bond. Colorado Springs parents arrested months after infant child dies of fentanyl overdose, police say. Over the last 20 years, nearly 5,000 Coloradans died from a prescription opioid overdose, and more than 900 of those deaths were due to synthetic opioids that included fentanyl, officials said. 20 arrested in massive Northern Colorado drug bust - KUSA.com Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Arvada Woman Dies After Being Struck By Rock While Driving, Suspects Wanted In Series Of Throwing Rocks At Vehicles, Shop The Arvada Farmers Market Like A Pro, Info Here. Preliminary hearing set for Caon City man arrested in large drug bust Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. There was a problem saving your notification. They also found a loaded Remington handgun. Loveland man arrested in 2021 fentanyl bust pleads guilty in multiple Eddie Joseph Bergenske, 20. Colorado communities and families have suffered greatly from the opioid epidemicand that impact is getting worse during this pandemic. Daily Briefing On May 10 and May 19, the task force executed multiple search warrants across Fort Collins, Loveland and Longmont. Don't knowingly lie about anyone In December 2020, law enforcement officers arrested a Colorado Springs man at his apartment on Pikes Peak Avenue. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | KRDO Jobs | FCC Applications |, KRDO FCC Public File | KRDO FCC Applications, Breaking News Share with Us. It starts with a small case that can be built into something meaningful, Kellner said. You have permission to edit this article. Before coming to Loveland, he graduated from Colorado State University in May 2020 with two bachelor's degrees, one in journalism and media communications and one in history. Four Loveland men have been arrested and one more is wanted after a Northern Colorado drug investigation that seized thousands of fentanyl pills, more than 12 pounds of meth and more. From Oct. 22, 2019, to Feb. 11, 2021, the Colorado Statewide Grand Jury returned indictments which included multiple alleged violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act and the. According to a press release issued by the Caon City Police Department, an officer was dispatched to 260 Justice . Those who were indicted are accused of bringing the deadly drugs from Mexico through U.S. Ports. The fentanyl flooding Colorado this summer is cheaper, now comes in pink and white, and is sometimes laced with the taste of monkfruit. Because of its central location, Colorado is now a critical trans-shipment hub in the West for drug smugglers, officials warned, and the price has become right. Longmont Police said more arrests are anticipated. At about 9:30 in the morning multiple law enforcement agencies executed two search warrants in the Casa de Cortez Apartments. The prop figures prominently in the first TV ad released Thursday by the Democrat's reelection campaign, which juxtaposes footage from an ad Weiser ran four years ago to illustrate what Weiser's campaign calls his "follow-through" during his first term on campaign promises. Be Nice. The bust was conducted on Wednesday at a gas station off Interstate 70 in Eagle, and John Hughes faces numerous charges. They searched his car and found what they said was more than 18 pounds of illegal drugs. When bought in bulk, fentanyl pills that used to cost $8 to $10 can now be found for just $1. Severe Weather They also confiscated 9.4 pounds of heroin, a 2.2 pounds of cocaine, four guns including an AR-15 rifle and an undisclosed amount of cash from a money-remitter business in a shopping center in Aurora. More than $50,000 of verified stolen property. Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rocky Mountain HIDTA, and Colorado's 18th Judicial District announced during a press conference Wednesday a 20-count grand jury indictment of 19 people in connection with the drug-distribution ring that dealt with fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and firearms. The best home improvement jobs deserve the best materials. Law enforcement hasnt yet arrested the original dealer, believed to be in Mexico, who coordinated with the group. Darren Weekly said he has seen the drugs flow into Highlands Ranch and Ken Caryl neighborhoods and warned parents to be aware of what their children are doing on social media. Use the 'Report' link on Thousands of fentanyl pills, $50,000+ in stolen goods recovered | 9news.com They also include drug distribution and money laundering charges. Sixty-four people were arrested in a major drug trafficking case that opened in March 2019, officials said. 64 people indicted in massive Colorado drug ring bust Other dangerous drugs including heroin, cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. On Wednesday, the department shared details on the case with the public. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. I have never seen anything like this in my life.. Each is a drug-related felony. / CBS Colorado. EAGLE, Colo. (CBS4) - A 19-year-old Arizona man was arrested in Colorado's high country after authorities found large amounts of drugs in his car. Example video title will go here for this video. Austin Fleskes joined the Reporter-Herald team in August 2020 as the newsroom's public safety reporter. His bond was set at $500,000. . Investigators seized drugs and weapons in an investigation that stretched from Northern Colorado to metro Denver and across the Front Range. An investigation, which was launched in March 2019, uncovered a "thriving market for illicit controlled substances, including heroin and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl," Weiser's office said in a news release. According to a release from the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, officers began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in Northern Colorado. 22 firearms including some stolen, illegally modified or fully automatic. The Denver Drug Enforcement Administration directed the investigation in partnership with the Arvada Police Department. Investigators found the drug trafficking cells in the Denver metropolitan area, Colorado Springs and Adams County, officials said. The complex is off Highway 112, about 30 miles northwest of Alamosa in Rio Grande County. In the latest bust, authorities seized 170,000 fentanyl pills outside of an Aurora apartment. Allan John Mears, 44, of Fort Collins, arrested on warrants alleging four counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and a special offender charge. It has arrested 65 high-level defendants and confiscated . Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, You think the cartels are in Mexico? Overall the state and federal investigation recovered: According to the coroner's office in El Paso County, drug overdoses increased by 30% in 2020. According to DEA estimates, 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) of pure fentanyl powder is enough to kill 500,000 people. The selection changes often, but if you love good Buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment most people ever make. Colby Kendrick Anway, 22, of Windsor, arrested on warrants alleging two counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. You can be in the know right alongside Colorados political insiders. This creates a phenomena that is extremely hard for law enforcement to stop, Brian Besser, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Denver field division, told reporters Wednesday. GREELEY, Colo. An investigation that began with a probe into a cocaine ring has led to 19 arrests in operations that involved moving black market drugs in . Yasmany Piedra of Longmont, one of the eight arrested, also pleaded guilty Monday. More than a dozen other individuals were arrested during the investigation and more charges and arrests are anticipated, the release added. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Police in Colorado Springs made a major drug bust and believe they have their prime suspect in custody. Besser said a lot of drugs pass through Denver because of its central location, but he stressed that not everything is gloom and doom. Officials said kids are buying drugs with emojis and text messages and they can do it anonymously. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A large international drug trafficking ring and a related money laundering operation in Colorado has been dismantled, according to the Colorado Attorney General's office. Colorado Drug Bust: Heroin, Cocaine & Fentanyl Found Phoenix Man's Car (Shutterstock) DENVER, CO Sixty-four people were indicted in a drug trafficking and . Fentanyl seizures in 2022 already higher than in 2021, Colorado State Patrol says. Colorado Springs police seize 16 pounds of heroin and make arrest in The . A preliminary hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. June 7. Guilty to possession of a controlled substance, a class 1 drug misdemeanor. He has also been charged underthe Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. He called it a great team effort by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The prime suspect was identified as William Johns. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Thats why its so important to That great looking new building in Wiggins? 64 indicted for international drug trafficking ring with ties to - KRDO Colorado Springs police seize 16 pounds of heroin and make arrest in major drug bust, 1 dead, 1 rescued by firefighters after speeding car crashed into tree in Colorado Springs, WATCH: Property tax relief may be coming for Coloradans. The men were arrested in May 2021 following a Northern Colorado Drug Task Force investigation into a drug trafficking ring across the area. The organization was suspected of distributing large quantities of fentanyl pills and meth in the area. First published on August 19, 2021 / 5:37 PM. The release said the investigation also revealed that some members were involved in thefts and other property crimes, and that numerous firearms were located during the arrests. Its the new home of High Plains Bank in Wiggins. The area is just southwest of the Citadel Mall off East Platte Avenue. The Longmont Department of Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS), Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), and the Boulder County District Attorneys Office also assisted in the investigation. Want the real scoop? accounts, the history behind an article. - 5.2 pounds of suspected heroin This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. After large fentanyl bust, Colorado drug - Colorado Politics Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Bowser Drive is just to the northwest of the Citadel Mall. The drug market morphs by the hour. Overall, 19 people were indicted, with two other people identified and arrested after the indictment. Investigators said it is believed the drug trafficking ring in Colorado has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Secure your subscription to Colorados premier political news journal, in continuous publication since 1898. Copyright 2021 KKTV. More. Police said over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized: Investigators said they have identified more than 50 people involved in the suspected drug trafficking organization. Theyre here. The identity of the cars driver is being kept secret to protect his family from retribution from drug cartels. PHOTOS | 20 arrested in major northern Colorado drug bust 1 / 5. In December 2020, law enforcement officers arrested a Colorado Springs man at his apartment on Pikes Peak Avenue. The spacious, modern Austin Fleskes joined the Reporter-Herald team in August 2020 as the newsroom's public safety reporter. Authorities seized the following: - 4,722 DU of fentanyl pills (M-30 pills), - 6 pounds of high-quality refined marijuana flower, - 13 firearms (four of the firearms were confirmed stolen). Pike was arrested on warrants alleging five counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and special offender importation into Colorado. All rights reserved. Law enforcement seized over 110,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, 6. He bonded out on the charges. Longmont Police said law enforcement started looking into Ward in December 2018, and the investigation stretched into Northern Colorado, metro Denver and across the Front Range. Limited information is being released at this time as officers are still conducting an inventory of the items from the two locations, the Center Police Department wrote on Facebook. Bradley Tyler Frost, 25. Fentanyl pills, previously known as blues because of their blue color, are now available in pink and white. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The DEA, 18th Judicial District, Arapahoe and Douglas County sheriffs and Denver police recently netted a huge bust of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force is very appreciative of the assistance provided by these agencies to help keep our communities safe, said NCDTF Commander and Larimer County Sheriffs Office Lt. Ian Stewart in the release. The record haul from last months bust was packed into 48 1-kilo blocks. PUBLISHED: March 13, 2021 at 3:24 p.m. | UPDATED: March 14, 2021 at 12:02 p.m. The Longmont Police Department said the arrests stem from an investigation into Longmont resident Joshua Ward, who the Longmont Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and other law enforcement agencies said had been distributing drugs. Major drug bust in Colorado as authorities uncover possible 'drug Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. LONGMONT, Colo. Twenty people were arrested Monday in connection with what investigators are calling a criminal enterprise responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and prescription drugs. According to the indictment, one of the men arrested was shipping drugs through the postal service in Colorado Springs. Tens of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen property. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. They expect to lose product, but what they want the most is to get them money down south,Besser said. Here's What Arvada Moms Really Want For Mother's Day! Colorado communities and families have suffered greatly from the opioid epidemicand that impact is getting worse during this pandemic. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? On May 10 and May 19, 2021 the task force executed multiple search warrants across Fort Collins, Loveland and Longmont. As first reported by The Gazette, the largest U.S. highway seizure of pure fentanyl powder occurred June 20 on Interstate 70 near Georgetown. Learn more about Chelsea here. His bond was set at $500,000. 64 people indicted in massive Colorado drug ring bust - The Denver Post Please enter valid email address to continue. Deputies seize $26,000, along with other items during drug bust - KKTV Kellner said the sting operation began in December 2021 with a single drug buy that evolved into more purchases, then wiretaps, search warrants and seizures. The investigation also uncovered a money laundering operation that trafficked drug money through a variety of wire transfers and bulk U.S. currency transports to Mexico, the Colorado Attorney General's Office said. Photos courtesy of the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force. Courtesy of Drug Enforcement Administration, After large fentanyl bust, Colorado drug enforcement officials warn public not to get weary of news, WATCH: Democrat Phil Weiser launches statewide TV, digital ad campaign in Colorado AG's race, Colorado moves to expand tribal voting, disclose candidate income in elections, Colorado's Jared Polis signs $38.5 billion state spending plan into law. Reach him at afleskes@prairiemountainmedia.com or on Twitter @Austinfleskes07. Biggest seizure of pure fentanyl powder on a U.S. highway made in Colorado. All rights reserved. SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Investigations from 9Wants to Know. Seven additional defendants charged in Western Slope drug ring bust July 23, 2021 / 6:35 PM 19 arrested in Greeley cocaine, marijuana crackdown | 9news.com - KUSA.com The investigation began in April and spanned eight months. August 19, 2021 / 5:37 PM / CBS Colorado. Those arrested face charges for drug trafficking, weapon offenses and organized . An 18thJudicial District grand jury indicted eight people on charges of smuggling and distributing meth, heroin and fentanyl pills, all of which originated in Mexico. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? His first appearance in this case is scheduled for Aug. 17. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Published: Jun. It circled around Saul Ramon Rivera-Beltran, 30, of Thornton. Later the same day, a third man who was arrested in the bust plead guilty as well. First published on July 23, 2021 / 6:35 PM. We'd love to hear eyewitness The other two Loveland men are scheduled to appear in the coming month. Frost was arrested for investigation of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Published: Aug. 11, 2021 at 6:18 PM PDT | Updated: Aug. 12, 2021 at 4:54 AM PDT COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Police in Colorado Springs made a major drug bust and believe they. Three people were arrested during the raid. By CAROL McKINLEY . Tens of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen property. Ramon Sepulveda, 36, of Fort Collins, arrested on suspicion of three counts of unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a special offender charge and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. Johns was arrested on Aug. 4 and faces multiple felony charges tied to the distribution of illegal drugs. The Colorado State Patrol discovered the 114-pound megahaul hidden underneath a trap door beneath the front seats of a vehicle during a traffic stop. 4 Loveland men arrested, another wanted in Northern Colorado drug bust