(Shutterstock) DENVER, CO Sixty-four people were indicted in a drug trafficking and . DENVER, CO Sixty-four people were indicted in a drug trafficking and money laundering bust, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Friday. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. This effort is an excellent example of what we accomplish through ongoing collaboration in our state.". Guilty to possession of a controlled substance, a class 1 drug misdemeanor. Besser had a laundry list of what the DEA is doing behind the scenes to eradicate drug traffic, including the investigation of 50 active cases, a third of which are in the 18thJudicial District. Some of the drug busts related to takedown happened in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. According to a press release issued by the Caon City Police Department, an officer was dispatched to 260 Justice . When it comes to landscape Did you know Your Butcher, Frank has super tasty delicatessen salads? On Tuesday, the Center Police Department shared an update on the bust. 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. He appeared in Blancos courtroom Monday afternoon where he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, a class 1 felony; pattern of racketeering, a class 2 felony; and possession of a controlled substance as a special offender, a class 1 drug felony. In December 2020, law enforcement officers arrested a Colorado Springs man at his apartment on Pikes Peak Avenue. LCSO said the following evidence was seized during the execution of search warrants: Over 4,500 Fentanyl pills. 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. The complex is off Highway 112, about 30 miles northwest of Alamosa in Rio Grande County. Although drug runners were taken off the streets, their positions will be refilled soon enough. Example video title will go here for this video. They searched his car and found what they said was more than 18 pounds of illegal drugs. Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! Other dangerous drugs including heroin, cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms. ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Adams County Sheriff's Office says four people were arrested on Wednesday in a large-scale drugs and firearms bust. 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. Officials say more than half of that increase was related to fentanyl overdoses. Ive got a news flash for you. Be Truthful. The arrest of these men through the operation, known as Operation Two Birds, One Stone, began in early 2021 and targeted the organization bringing narcotics into Northern Colorado. Has Denver seen its last snow of the season? According to DEA estimates, 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) of pure fentanyl powder is enough to kill 500,000 people. Law enforcement seized the drugs and guns after serving a search warrant. On May 10 and May 19, the task force executed multiple search warrants across Fort Collins, Loveland and Longmont. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. Thats why its so important to That great looking new building in Wiggins? He was also charged under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. They recovered methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing . Published: Aug. 5, 2021 at 5:22 PM PDT EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) - El Paso County Sheriff Deputies have seized a variety of items after they executed a total of eight marijuana-related. The men were arrested in May 2021 following a Northern Colorado Drug Task Force investigation into a drug trafficking ring across the area. In 2018, an average of nine Coloradans a month died of illicit fentanyl overdose. 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. Courtesy Longmont Police Department. One of the four Loveland men arrested in 2021 in connection with a large-scale, Northern Colorado drug bust has pleaded guilty in the three cases against him; he is the first of the four Loveland . Fred Smith knows real estate. Fisher was arrested on a warrant alleging vehicular eluding. Guardian Storage Free Shred-It Event: May 6, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on May 8th and 9th at Broomfield Community Center, Arvada Jobs: See Who's Hiring In The Area, Arvada Area Prospective Homeowners: Check Out 5 New Houses For Sale, Latest Pets Available For Adoption In The Arvada Area. Over 12 pounds of Methamphetamine. Austin Fleskes joined the Reporter-Herald team in August 2020 as the newsroom's public safety reporter. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Other dangerous drugs including heroin, cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms. Rivera-Beltran is being held on $1 million bond. 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. The arrest of these men through the operation, known as Operation Two Birds, One Stone, began in early 2021 and targeted the organization bringing narcotics into Northern Colorado, ultimately arresting eight people, including the four Loveland men. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. Through the investigation and searches, officers were able to seize: Eight men were also arrested, including four Loveland residents. Investigators part of the North Metro Task. The shipment was sent to a location which was under investigation for several weeks, they stated in a news release. Investigators which included members of the FBI identified the main source of supply for the body shop and a search warrant was executed at the shop along with a residence on Bowser Drive. In Loveland, officers searched in the 400 block of East 57th Avenue, the 2400 block of Mountain View Drive and the 2900 block of Black Fox Run Lane. During the search, investigators discovered 100 grams of meth, heroin and cocaine; a stolen handgun; and a stolen safe, along with dozens of drug paraphernalia items. Overall, 19 people were indicted, with two other people identified and arrested after the indictment. All rights reserved. Be Proactive. "We are not asleep at the wheel.". His pleas in the three cases are as follows: While Frost pleaded guilty to three felonies and one misdemeanor, he faced 11 total charges between the three cases: seven felonies, three misdemeanors and two traffic infractions. 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. Bergenske was arrested on warrants alleging aggravated motor vehicle theft, vehicular eluding, two counts of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and a special offender charge. DENVER (KDVR) The Drug Enforcement Administration and local Colorado partners announced indictments and arrests after a major investigation into a drug network that had international reach. At about 9:30 in the morning multiple law enforcement agencies executed two search warrants in the Casa de Cortez Apartments. 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. August 19, 2021 / 5:37 PM / CBS Colorado. Published: Jun. Its the new home of High Plains Bank in Wiggins. Longmont Police said more arrests are anticipated. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | KRDO Jobs | FCC Applications |, KRDO FCC Public File | KRDO FCC Applications, Breaking News Copyright 2021 KKTV. Vail police and Eagle County Sheriff's deputies contacted Hughes, of Phoenix, at his car after he was allegedly swerving. In addition, investigators found four long guns, two handguns, body armor, a homemade silencer and three hand grenades. The warrants were part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. CENTER, Colo. (KKTV) - Authorities uncovered what were believed to be operating drug distribution centers in a small Colorado town. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Investigators said it is believed the drug trafficking ring in Colorado has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. 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. The fentanyl flooding Colorado this summer is cheaper, now comes in pink and white, and is sometimes laced with the taste of monkfruit. Pike was arrested on warrants alleging five counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and special offender importation into Colorado. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Kellner acknowledged that stopping this operation will only put a temporary pause on business. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. He is being held for parole violation with no bond. Officials said kids are buying drugs with emojis and text messages and they can do it anonymously. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. More than $50,000 of verified stolen property. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. that is degrading to another person. He was also charged under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. 2, 2021 at 5:28 AM PDT CENTER, Colo. (KKTV) - Authorities uncovered what were believed to be "operating drug distribution centers" in. The best home improvement jobs deserve the best materials. Colorado's drop in life expectancy blamed on COVID, drugs. Jaxon Lee Fisher, 22. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Please enter valid email address to continue. When bought in bulk, fentanyl pills that used to cost $8 to $10 can now be found for just $1. Please enter valid email address to continue. August 19, 2021 / 5:37 PM said they called a news conference to let people know they are not asleep at the wheel when it comes to drug enforcement. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The other two Loveland men are scheduled to appear in the coming month. There was a problem saving your notification. After large fentanyl bust, Colorado drug enforcement officials warn public not to get weary of news. He was also charged under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. The Grand Jury indictment includes 20 counts, which outline how the enterprise distributed cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver and Jefferson counties. The four suspects were booked on various felony charges. Frost is the first of the four Loveland men arrested in this bust to have entered a plea and second among the eight people arrested Colby Anway plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in July 2021. Thats why addressing this crisis is a top priority for our office, Weiser said in a statement. The . Ports. His bond was set at $500,000. They expect to lose product, but what they want the most is to get them money down south,Besser said. All rights reserved. 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. During a traffic stop on West Cheyenne Road and Alsace Way in Colorado Springs, two suspected drug traffickers fled on foot, and officers found approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine. The organization was suspected of distributing large quantities of fentanyl pills and meth in the area. 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. Tens of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen property. Loveland man arrested in 2021 drug bust faces two new cases Evans man arrested for allegedly selling lethal dose of fentanyl to Larimer County woman Berthoud trustees OK plan, rezoning for Ludlow Farm Law enforcement seized over 110,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, 6. You can watch the full announcement on FOX31 NOW. This is a portion of the money they seized. When it comes to landscape Did you know Your Butcher, Frank has super tasty delicatessen salads? Investigators said it is believed the drug trafficking ring in Colorado has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. 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 64 people were charged with participating in an international drug trafficking network, which transported large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl from Mexico through U.S. ports of entry into Colorado in vehicles with concealed compartments, officials said. Guilty to possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance, a class 2 drug felony; and menacing, a class 5 felony. Allan Mears is scheduled to appear for a disposition hearing at 2 p.m. April 25 and Ramon Sepulveda is scheduled to appear for a jury trial from June 21 to 27. Tens of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen property. 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. In Loveland, officers searched in the 400 block of East 57th Avenue, the 2400 block of Mountain View Drive and the 2900 block of Black Fox Run Lane. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. 22 firearms including some stolen, illegally modified or fully automatic. ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Adams County Sheriff's Office says four people were arrested on Wednesday in a large-scale drugs and firearms bust. Fentanyl pills, previously known as blues because of their blue color, are now available in pink and white. They recovered methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. 1,472 Counterfeit 30 mg oxycodone hydrochloride pills (Fentanyl). Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Overall the state and federal investigation recovered: According to the coroner's office in El Paso County, drug overdoses increased by 30% in 2020. Keep it Clean. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. The spacious, modern Austin Fleskes joined the Reporter-Herald team in August 2020 as the newsroom's public safety reporter. Those who were indicted are accused of bringing the deadly drugs from Mexico through U.S. This effort is an excellent example of what we accomplish through ongoing collaboration in our state.. The selection changes often, but if you love good Buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment most people ever make. 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. / CBS Colorado. / CBS Colorado. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Reach him at afleskes@prairiemountainmedia.com or on Twitter @Austinfleskes07. Sixty-four people were arrested in a major drug trafficking case that opened in March 2019, officials said. According to a release from the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, officers began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in Northern Colorado. You have permission to edit this article. Colorado communities and families have suffered greatly from the opioid epidemicand that impact is getting worse during this pandemic. No further information will be released at this time on those arrested or their charges due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Each is a drug-related felony. 1, 2021 at 7:01 PM PDT | Updated: Jun. Johns was arrested on Aug. 4 and faces multiple felony charges tied to the distribution of illegal drugs. The Metro VNI Street Team initiated an investigation last year regarding alleged drug deals from an auto body shop located in the 500 block of Arrawanna Drive. They also include drug distribution and money laundering charges. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? The charges range from racketeering and conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. The best home improvement jobs deserve the best materials. 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. Numerous rifles and handguns, as well as a shotgun. While Edward Bergenske, another one of the four Loveland men arrested, appeared in court Monday morning, his attorney did not arrive at the courtroom for the hearing and Blanco scheduled him to appear for a disposition at 10 a.m. March 30. 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. Investigators say they received information regarding a shipment containing illegal narcotics. Major drug bust in Colorado as authorities uncover possible drug distribution centers, 1 dead, 1 rescued by firefighters after speeding car crashed into tree in Colorado Springs, WATCH: Property tax relief may be coming for Coloradans. Share with Us. The selection changes often, but if you love good Buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment most people ever make. More than 170,000 fentanyl pills were recently seized in a drug task force sting in Aurora. Its the new home of High Plains Bank in Wiggins. On May 10 and May 19, 2021 the task force executed multiple search warrants across Fort Collins, Loveland and Longmont. The Denver Drug Enforcement Administration directed the investigation in partnership with the Arvada Police Department. The drug market morphs by the hour. They also found a loaded Remington handgun. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. person will not be tolerated. 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. Law enforcement seized over 110,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, 6 kilograms of methamphetamine, 8 pounds of heroin, 11 kilograms of cocaine and $450,000 in cash in the bust. The area is just southwest of the Citadel Mall off East Platte Avenue. In December 2020, law enforcement officers arrested a Colorado Springs man at his apartment on Pikes Peak Avenue. Eagle County Detectives Make Major Drug Bust Involving Coke, Meth And Magic Mushrooms September 3, 2021 / 3:46 PM / CBS Colorado EAGLE, Colo. (CBS4) - Detectives pulled off a major drug. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? Daily Briefing Threats of harming another The DEA, 18th Judicial District, Arapahoe and Douglas County sheriffs and Denver police recently netted a huge bust of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. Denver officers shoot suspect in barricade situation, police say, Isolated storms Tuesday; 70s here to stay. Blanco scheduled Frost to return for sentencing at 4 p.m. April 25. By holding accountable the high-level organizers of this criminal enterprise and halting the spread of dangerous drugs, we can help save lives in Colorado. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Besser said a lot of drugs pass through Denver because of its central location, but he stressed that not everything is gloom and doom. It circled around Saul Ramon Rivera-Beltran, 30, of Thornton. It starts with a small case that can be built into something meaningful, Kellner said. The suspects arrested in connection with the case so far are: Those arrested face charges for drug trafficking, weapon offenses and organized crime offenses. 22 firearms including some stolen, illegally modified or fully automatic. Thats why its so important to That great looking new building in Wiggins? - 5.2 pounds of suspected heroin The investigation began in April and spanned eight months. . accounts, the history behind an article. Fentanyl-tainted pills "flooded" Denver's metro area during the pandemic, the office said. According to the indictment, one of the men arrested was shipping drugs through the postal service in Colorado Springs. 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. Secure your subscription to Colorados premier political news journal, in continuous publication since 1898. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Police in Colorado Springs made a major drug bust and believe they have their prime suspect in custody. Bradley Frost, 25, appeared in court before 8th Judicial District Court Chief Judge Susan Blanco Monday morning where he entered a guilty plea in the three ongoing cases against him. Here's What Arvada Moms Really Want For Mother's Day! This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. More. Want the real scoop? Loveland man arrested in 2021 fentanyl bust, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Loveland man arrested in 2021 fentanyl bust pleads guilty in multiple cases, Loveland, Berthoud law enforcement arrests: criminal mischief, DUI, Man arrested after shots fired Saturday night outside Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Berthoud police calls: Disturbances, shoplifting, Loveland, Berthoud law enforcement calls: Multiple crashes, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, REO Speedwagon coming to Loveland on Nov. 17, Larimer County restaurant inspections made April 12-21, 2023, McWhinney to relinquish surface rights on formerly proposed Centerra South oil pad site if urban renewal plan is approved, First Street reopens in downtown Loveland, New Loveland trail south of Boyd Lake to officially open Tuesday, Northern Colorado veterans take off on Honor Flight, Loveland City Council gives mixed reviews to possible sales tax for fire safety, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. You can be in the know right alongside Colorados political insiders. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Through the investigation and searches, officers were able to seize: Fred Smith knows real estate. Thats why addressing this crisis is a top priority for our office, said Attorney General Phil Weiser. As first reported by The Gazette, the largest U.S. highway seizure of pure fentanyl powder occurred June 20 on Interstate 70 near Georgetown. 4 Loveland men arrested, another wanted in, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), 4 Loveland men arrested, another wanted in Northern Colorado drug bust, Loveland, Berthoud law enforcement arrests: criminal mischief, DUI, Man arrested after shots fired Saturday night outside Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Berthoud police calls: Disturbances, shoplifting, Loveland, Berthoud law enforcement calls: Multiple crashes, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, REO Speedwagon coming to Loveland on Nov. 17, Larimer County restaurant inspections made April 12-21, 2023, McWhinney to relinquish surface rights on formerly proposed Centerra South oil pad site if urban renewal plan is approved, First Street reopens in downtown Loveland, New Loveland trail south of Boyd Lake to officially open Tuesday, Northern Colorado veterans take off on Honor Flight, Loveland City Council gives mixed reviews to possible sales tax for fire safety, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. They include: Two other men, Robert Wayne Webb of Wellington and Ethan Richard Frei of Loveland, are wanted in connection with the investigation. 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. On Wednesday, the department shared details on the case with the public. Hughes faces charges that include unlawful possession of and distribution of a controlled substance. 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. He bonded out on the charges. 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. He called it a great team effort by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. By holding accountable the high-level organizers of this criminal enterprise and halting the spread of dangerous drugs, we can help save lives in Colorado.