AURORA | Federal authorities on Wednesday unsealed a 30-person indictment that outlines the workings of a sophisticated drug cartel that for years was pumping hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine throughout Colorado. (KKTV) - A massive investigation resulted in 800 arrests, the seizures of more than eight tons of cocaine; 22 tons of marijuana; and 2 tons . The masked pills caused elevated concern among federal authorities, Dunn said. Colorado law enforcement officials said Wednesday that millions of lives may have been saved after several months of undercover investigation into those suspected of distributing illegal fentanyl pills. The other people indicted on lesser charges could face prison sentences of at least 10 years. The find was part of a coordinated Aurora drug bust announced Feb. 19, 2020. Should Denver open a safe drug use site? The DEA, 18th Judicial District, Arapahoe and Douglas County Sheriffs, and Denver Police recently netted a huge bust of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. DENVER (KDVR) Police have announced a significant drug bust in Denver that turned up more than 200 pounds of drugs, including meth, cocaine, heroin, crack and thousands of fentanyl pills. Major drug bust on 6/1/21 in Rio Grande County, CO. (Center PD) CENTER, Colo. (KKTV) - Authorities uncovered what were believed to be "operating drug distribution centers" in a small Colorado . Law enforcement officers made a number of arrests recently in connection to drug trafficking in Rifle and the greater Garfield County area. A routine traffic stop in Eagle County led to the discovery of 13.5 pounds of what is believed to be heroin hidden in a child's car seat. Colorado had more drug seizures, per pound, from 2017 through 2021 than any other state in the country the second state was California. Dezmen Albritton. In 2020, drug overdose deaths were up 34% in Colorado. Fatal doses involving the drug have skyrocketed since 2015, and last year, more than 800 Coloradans died after , It sounded just like a plot out of Breaking Bad. At approximately 5:20 p.m. Saturday, NSP was informed that the Burt County Sheriff's Office and Lyons Police Department were on the scene of an armed, barricaded subject at 100 State Street in Lyons. The influx of fake prescription opioids is a growing and deadly concern for this office and the law enforcement community as a whole, he said. 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. During the search, authorities uncovered approximately 8.23 pounds of heroin, 4.45 pounds of methamphetamine, and $108,000 in drug money. The Special Operations Unit found $18,645 in cash, 250 grams of marijuana, 231 Xanax pills, 108 oxycodone, 25 pills of molly, and a digital scale all in the car. Cant take statins? These cases were combined, and eight people were ultimately indicted in June from both cases following undercover busts and wiretaps that happened between December 2021 and May. 4, Clovis PD Special Enforcement Team (S.E.T.) Odom Memorial Community Drug Bust in Aurora, CO Electric vehicles are the future, at least that's what Colorado's Energy Office is hoping. Had these pills reached the street, thousands of unwitting end users would have been at significant risk of overdose and death as weve already seen too much of lately in Colorado.. Authorities seized 400 pounds of methamphetamine, 15,000 fentanyl pills, 5 pounds of heroin and 4 pounds of cocaine during the sweeping arrests last week, Dunn said. She could be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison if convicted. 200,000 fentanyl pills seized in what Colorado law enforcement considers life-saving busts, Indie 102.3s March Local 303 Meetup feat: Deva Yoder, News That Matters, Delivered To Your Inbox, Fentanyl is everywhere, and showing up in other illicit drugs. Several other agencies, including the Aurora Police Department and the criminal investigation branch of the IRS, helped the FBI and prosecutors investigate the local cell of the cartel. According to the 1999 and 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), 8.9 percent of individuals age 12 and over surveyed in Colorado reported having abused an illicit drug in the month prior to the survey compared with 6.3 percent nationwide. Treatment data indicate that cocaine, particularly crack, commonly is abused in Denver. A Baghdad alum, she has 4 grown children and lives with her husband and her mom. Even fruit-flavored incarnations of the pill are being found, some being etched with the BMW or Mercedes logos, they said. Big Denver Drug Bust: Dealer Allegedly Had Nearly 10,000 - WSVN 64 people indicted in huge Colorado drug trafficking bust We can help you keep up. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you. During the course of a year-long investigation into Vallejo-Gallos group, authorities seized more than 400 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of heroin, four pounds of cocaine and about 15,000 pills of fentanyl that had been disguised to look like prescription Oxycodone, officials said. Come Wednesday, families will be receiving their SNAP benefits without the additional emergency allotments they've been getting for the last three years. Adams County Sheriff's Office, Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Aurora Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Commerce City . PDF Colorado Drug Threat Assessment - United States Department of Justice While conducting a series of arrests across Denver and Aurora Feb. 12, officials also seized large amounts of cash, cars and at least 10 guns, many of which were assault rifles, Phillips said. About 170,000 pills were seized in April from a vehicle outside an apartment complex in Aurora. The incident followed a domestic disturbance, which was being investigated by the Burt County Sheriff's Office. Search arrest records and find latests mugshots and bookings for Misdemeanors and Felonies. When bought in bulk, fentanyl pills that used to cost $8 to $10 can now be found for just $1. A top commander with the Adams County Sheriff's Office will be suspended after pointing a rifle at co-workers in January. There was a 403 percent increase in the number of pounds seized of fentanyl between 2017 and last year on Colorados highways. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. He will miss this weekend's NASCAR race at Las Vegas. The illicit drug has been seen on state highways more than ever before. The identity of the cars driver is being kept secret to protect his family from retribution from drug cartels. In February of 2016, the DEA Strike Force Group began investigating illegal drug trafficking activities of Jose Tapia-Rubio who lived in the 1200 block of E. Arizona Avenue in Aurora, according to the civil forfeiture documents. Fountain Police arrested a convicted felon for drugs in his car the same day he was sentenced for another crime. 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. Well over 300 special agents and officers arrested 28 defendants for drug trafficking and related crimes during early morning raids. This was an organization that was working here bringing it in from the west coast.. In Denver, the Denver Department of Health reported "the percentage change in drug-related deaths for the six months of . Shes been a reporter since 2012, focused on criminal justice. The alleged network was based in Colorado and distributed drugs to several counties and cities in the region, including Denver, Aurora, Commerce City, Lakewood, and Thornton. You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Investigators part of the North Metro Task Force Drug Task Force says more than 40,000 Fentanyl pills and 20 pounds of cocaine were seized. March 11, 2022 / 7:35 PM Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Officers were called to a local hotel when housekeeping found a brown paper bag containing two plastic baggies filled with a white crystalline substance and a glass smoking pipe. They also confiscated 9.4 pounds of heroin, a 2.2 pounds of cocaine, four guns including an AR-15. Five people were discovered dead inside a Colorado apartment where a 4-month-old baby was also found alive after what police are investigating as a drug-fueled party involving fentanyl . You think the cartels are in Mexico? Drug and weapons suspect in Maven Hotel bust worked construction, has child, and lengthy criminal history Managers also noted that the person who was renting one of the rooms had requested to. So its often mixed with other substances, oftentimes inert substances, and then pressed into pill form to look like prescription oxycodone.. Safford Police bust alleged heroin dealer - The Gila Herald Douglas County Sheriff Capt. A 40-year Colorado news veteran, Carol McKinley started in radio, and traveled the world as a network TV correspondent/producer. Five people were arrested in Fort Collins after their alleged role in a drug bust. Drug dealers are now resorting to innovative methods to flood the market with fentanyl-related substances so they can have maximum appeal to unsuspecting users, Besser said. Roughly $650,000 worth of drugs seized as three arrested in - WITN The group brought drugs into Colorado from Mexico and the West Coast, authorities said. The officers were conducting surveillance on the suspect and knew he had a felony warrant out for his arrest. AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- Three men from Mexico and a Bolingbrook man face drug charges after Kane County Sheriff's detectives said they found nearly 160 pounds of cannabis in a Jeep in west. Investigators said it is believed the drug trafficking ring in Colorado has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. So its often times mixed with other substances often times inert substances, and then pressed into pill form to look like prescription Oxycodone or other drugs and then sold.. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. ", RELATED: Denver Health Officials Warn About Increase In Deadly Overdoses Linked To Fentanyl. Authorities have also seized $16 million in drug money. It will be a mild and dry start to the weekend. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network records show that between 2013 and 2016, Tapia-Rubio made 140 cash deposits totaling more than $3 million dollars to various financial institutions. If it saves one life, for me, it was worth the whole process.. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. The same week of that large drug bust, Miller seized more . Law enforcement officials said cartels have designed the latest batches to be attractive to young people, with one official comparing their creativity to Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors. Neighborhood Grocery Store At Center Of Cocaine, Meth Bust In 2021, illegal fentanyl killed 709 people in Colorado, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yates is Pierce's sister. FBI Chicago October 04, 2011. Denver police and firefighters responded to an apartment at 8330 Quincy Avenue for a suspected drug operation. In the latest drug bust, authorities seized 200,000 fentanyl pills in an operation which was operating out of a business calledHondu Multiservicios, LLC at 6671 Federal Boulevard, according to the grand jury indictment obtained by The Gazette. Colorado Springs police seize 16 pounds of heroin and make arrest in The The record haul from last months bust was packed into 48 one-kilo blocks. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Police shared the following details about the large amount of drugs that were captured: - 179 pounds methamphetamines 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. WASHINGTONFollowing a two-year criminal drug investigation, . You have permission to edit this article. Police shared the following details about the large amount of drugs that were captured: - 179 pounds methamphetamines - 43 pounds. Subscribe to ourdaily 9NEWSLETTERfor top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. 2019 Sentinel Colorado. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Prosecutor: 79 indicted in Ohio drug bust, more than $5 million of Because of Thursday's law enforcement. Find 727 listings related to Odom Memorial Community Drug Bust in Aurora on YP.com. Carly McKinney's Twitter page contained half-naked photos and all kinds of chatter about marijuana, including a boast of . For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. Task Force Takes Down Large Drug Operation In Denver & Aurora Federal, state and local law enforcement in Adams County announced on Friday the dismantling of a drug trafficking operation that has led to state-level indictments of 64 people, seizure of $931,000 in U.S, currency and 77,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, along with methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. Example video title will go here for this video. 19 arrested in Greeley cocaine, marijuana crackdown | 9news.com - KUSA.com Another six people were also charged as a result of a year-long investigation: four members of the alleged ring who remain at large in Mexico, one who remains at large in the United States and one individual who is in state custody, Dunn said. (WLBT) - Two people were arrested for having possession of over $200,000 in drugs, along with a few firearms, In Hinds County on Wednesday, January 25. She joined the paper in 2019 and previously worked as a crime reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania and the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Tennessee. Rep. Diane DeGette is pushing legislation to expand a federal program to help people pay their utility bills and still make ends meet. News | Nebraska State Patrol In the search of his home and his two vehicles, police said they found more than 80,000 fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills, 500 grams of suspected Xanax and more than $1,800 cash. A months-long investigation in Colorado Springs ended with the arrest of William Johns on Aug. 4. AURORA, Colo. A 24-year-old man was arrested on drug charges late last month after a four-month investigation. They also confiscated 9.4 pounds of heroin, a kilo of cocaine, four guns including an AR15 rifle and a 9 mm handgun, and an undisclosed amount of cash. More than 900 people died of fentanyl overdoses in Colorado last year, according to the state health department. Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. Aurora, IL crime, fire and public safety news and events, police & fire department updates They pulled him over, smelled marijuana, and found the drugs and cash in the car. Law enforcement seized over 110,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, 6. This is part of a seizure of 200,000 fentanyl pills in Aurora, Around 200,000 fentanyl pills were recently seized in a drug task force drug sting. 5. APD estimated the drugs' street value at more than $200,000. NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott had successful surgery for an unspecified injury to his left leg Friday night, hours after a snowboarding accident in Colorado. Hospitals, schools and parents are sounding the alarm on the mental health crisis across America. Theyre here. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Eighteenth Judicial District Attorney John Kellner said at a press conference in the south Denver suburb of Centennial on Wednesday that across both cases in addition to the 200,000 fentanyl pills, officials found four guns, 9.4 pounds of heroin, 1 kilogram of cocaine and $60,000 in stolen merchandise. Inside the home, officials say they found more than 243 jars with THC oil/wax, more than 5.6 pounds . Douglas 1 View. $18K, 300 pills seized in Aurora drug bust Police found more than $18,000 in cash and more than 300 pills during a traffic stop in west suburban Aurora Tuesday night. The remaining indictees are on the lam across U.S. and Mexico. Get content and information right now for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox. Colorado Drug Threat Assessment 2 Colorado's well-developed transportation infra - structure and its central location in the western United States are ideal for the movement of licit and illicit goods into and through the state. The drugs can go for as little as $1 and are disguised in flavors like strawberry and raspberry. We are watching a system moving across Utah that will bring increasing snow chances for the mountains for your Friday afternoon and evening. Court records indicate Tapio-Rubio operated a multi-kilogram cocaine and methamphetamine distribution network with drugs supplied from Mexico. As the spring homebuying season approaches, affordability is at its lowest point in history, one economist said. served four search warrants in Fresno. Constantly updated. FBI Three Arrested in Aurora Drug Sweep Investigators say the group was dealing over two pounds (one kilogram) of heroin every week in Denver. The source of these narcotics originated in Mexico. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. Recently passed legislation is working to change things, however. 9 arrested in cocaine, meth bust in Aurora | 9news.com Stories About Drug Bust - CBS Colorado Federal and local law enforcement agencies say the drugs come into the state from Mexico. A K9 team in Weld County successfully seized more than 88 pounds of methamphetamine recently, worth more than half a million dollars in street value. Authorities allowed the driver who was caught ferrying a record haul of pure fentanyl powder. "These are usually going into the hands of our teenagers and our younger adults out there, so anytime you can get a good arrest like this, any hit that we can make that takes this out of the hands of the kids, that's great," Spayth said. FBI busts Mexican drug trafficking operation in Denver, Aurora At least two of those charged were in the United States illegally, according to a 52-count indictment filed in Colorado District Court. Authorities arrested that woman and 23 other members of two Mexican drug trafficking operations that were based in Denver and Aurora during an operation last week, Dunn said. Best 30 Drug Bust Counseling Center in Aurora, CO with Reviews Aurora Police said the investigation began in September after their narcotics team received a tip that Hernan Soria Ramirez was advertising illegal drugs for sale on social media sites. Courtesy of the Adams County Sheriff's Office. Lizalde and Angelique Torres, who were both in the car, are facing felony drug charges. The fentanyl pills recovered by authorities were packaged and disguised to look like prescription drugs a tactic used to make the drugs more appealing to users, Dunn said. I called this press conference because behind the scenes there is aggressive and tenacious police work and prosecution being done to save lives and bring justice," Besser said. 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. Authorities also recovered 10 guns during the investigation, which began in January 2019. In 2021, she decided to return to local news. Investigators say 12 people, most of whom were already in jail on unrelated charges prior to the drug ring investigation, were able to sneak narcotics into the jail with mail. Seven years after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines aimed at stopping the over-prescription of opioid painkillers, patients who need those medications to ease chronic pain have been left suffering, some to the point of suicide.