It's the largest drug case in recent history out of the Franklin County, Ohio, prosecutor's office and including 79 people indicted and more than $5 million of narcotics . The big storm system from the southwest is still on track to move across southern New Mexico. Authorities also recovered 10 guns during the investigation, which began in January 2019. Douglas. Darren Weekly said he has seen the drugs flow like wildfire into Highlands Ranch and Ken Caryl neighborhoods and warned parents to be aware of what their children are doing on social media. Click here to view all charges. It's a favorite destination for foodies, putting the spotlight on the city's food scene through hundreds of local restaurants. Example video title will go here for this video. for the State of Colorado (19.3 percent) but is higher than the national rate (14.7 percent) (Figure 1). There was a 403 percent increase in the number of pounds seized of fentanyl between 2017 and last year on Colorados highways. Gov. 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.. 9Wants to Know saw members of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Aurora Police Department at two locations in Aurora, one was a home, the other a business, in the Mississippi and I-225 area. I have never seen anything like this in my life.. The police investigation into Mills led police to search two homes, one in the 3000 block of North Race Street and another in the 12100 block of Amherst Circle in Aurora. Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. Rep. Diane DeGette is pushing legislation to expand a federal program to help people pay their utility bills and still make ends meet. They then distributed the substances across the state. 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. One of four suspects arrested at a hotel near Coors Field says there was no plot to shoot MLB All-Star Game fans, even though one of his friends harbored a large cache of weapons in his room. Carly McKinney's Twitter page contained half-naked photos and all kinds of chatter about marijuana, including a boast of . Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you. 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. Come Wednesday, families will be receiving their SNAP benefits without the additional emergency allotments they've been getting for the last three years. It will be a mild and dry start to the weekend. The same week of that large drug bust, Miller seized more . Denver Restaurant Week is officially upon us! 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. Federal and local law enforcement busted suspected members of a Mexican organization accused of distributing cocaine and meth in Colorado and other state, sources tell 9Wants to Know. Law enforcement hasnt yet arrested the original dealer, believed to be in Mexico, who coordinated with the group. In the last 20 years in Colorado, nearly 5,000 Coloradans died from a prescription opioid overdose. As first reported by The Denver Gazette, the largest U.S. highway seizure of pure fentanyl powder occurred June 20 on Interstate 70 near Georgetown. So it was essentially meant to throw off anyone who might have seen that, Dunn said. - An Aurora resident was indicted for his part in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine. Aurora only hired 17 new police officers last year. As of March 31 in Colorado, a total of about 1.1 million fentanyl pills have been collected although DEA Special Agent Brian Besser said he believes that number has doubled since three months ago. Ever., Seizure of 200,000 fentanyl pills declared one, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Get to know all 17 Denver mayor candidates , Seizure of 200,000 fentanyl pills declared one of largest ever in Colorado, Woman attempted 4 carjackings in 9 minutes, Denver police say. 5. Anyone who has a tip related to illegal drug dealing in Denver can share it with police through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). This is a portion of the money they seized. "We are not asleep at the wheel. - 43 pounds cocaine Former Washington Capital forward Lars Eller is now a member of the Colorado Avalanche! All Rights Reserved. The If convicted Vallejo-Gallo could face 20 years to life in federal prison. Officials says 30 people were indicted. 2023 Colorado Public Radio. 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. $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 three suspects were identified as 25-year-old Martin Eduardo BustosTorres, 23 . The 45-count indictment exposes the inner workings of a Mexican drug gang that was based at a market in Aurora and distributed drugs - mostly cocaine and methamphetamine - throughout the region. Aurora, IL crime, fire and public safety news and events, police & fire department updates / CBS Colorado. 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. 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. Greed is a traffickers main motivation. Win tickets to Cheyenne Frontier Days, The Daddy of 'Em All before tickets go on sale! An Aurora woman led an extensive international drug trafficking organization that distributed high volumes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Colorado, U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn said at a news conference Wednesday. 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. The remaining indictees are on the lam across U.S. and Mexico. Tipsters can remain anonymous. A deputy's knack for sussing out mules has made a lonely stretch of I-70 the top drug-bust site in Colorado Mesa County deputy Mike Miller has patrolled a stretch of desert west of Grand Junction for decades. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. There are about 6 million people living in Colorado.Editor's Note: A previous version of the story said the amount of fentanyl seized could kill as many as 25 million people. Colorado Drug Bust: Heroin, Cocaine & Fentanyl Found Phoenix Man's Car A 19-year-old Arizona man is under arrest in Colorado's high country after authorities found large amounts of drugs in. The Colorado legislature may finally let it. Date: 3/3 12:44 am #1 failed to present . Perry Bertsch. In 2020, drug overdose deaths were up 34% in Colorado. 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. BOND: $2000. DENVER Special agents, police officers and deputy sheriffs on Thursday arrested 80 people on drug and/or gun charges, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app, Players given Kratom by Colorado coach, police say, Skier Shiffrin's quest for 86th win extended after downhill, 77 inches of snow fall at Colorado ski area in 9 days, Cellphone data connected man to teen's overdose death, 'So much needless loss': DEA agent hopes to reduce fentanyl-related deaths, Man arrested in teen's fentanyl overdose death in Loveland, Distribution of a controlled substance - fentanyl 4-50 grams, Attempt to distribute a controlled substance - fentanyl 4-50 grams, Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute - fentanyl 4 grams, Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute - schedule 3/4. The arrests were made by over 500 law enforcement officers, making this the largest drug bust in Denver history. A 19-year-old Arizona man is under arrest in Colorado's high country after authorities found large amounts of drugs in his car. In Mexican cities, the pills can be made for roughly 4 cents each. He was in the Denver County jail as of Friday night. Court records indicate Tapio-Rubio operated a multi-kilogram cocaine and methamphetamine distribution network with drugs supplied from Mexico. A top commander with the Adams County Sheriff's Office will be suspended after pointing a rifle at co-workers in January. Police shared the following details about the large amount of drugs that were captured: - 179 pounds methamphetamines According to DEA estimates, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder is enough to kill 500,000 people. . Now: 1 location off miss & Peoria in aurora. By Tony Keith. The Drug Enforcement Agency and the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced the bust Wednesday in Centennial, saying eight people have been indicted on allegations they were. AURORA, Colo. A 24-year-old man was arrested on drug charges late last month after a four-month investigation. for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Today our community is safer, Phillips said. Temperatures will be slightly cooler than where we should be for this time of year. Sign up here and we will see you in the morning! The drugs are estimated to have a street value in the millions, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. NBA investigating social media post by Ja Morant following game in Denver, State Democrats introduce assault weapons ban, How a debate over support for the ERA turned into anti-trans rhetoric at the Colorado state Capitol, Colorados Mount Evans could soon be Mount Blue Sky. The civil forfeiture documents filed in federal court in Colorado name 14 people and mention there are others involved in bringing cocaine and meth from Mexico to Colorado. Authorities have also seized $16 million in drug money. 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. "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. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. On January 23, 2019, a federal Superseding Indictment was filed against Dana Faulkner, also known as "Diablo" (age 40), of Aurora, CO, charging him with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine) in the Rapid City and Northern Black Hills area, Use of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime, At least two of those charged were in the United States illegally, according to a 52-count indictment filed in Colorado District Court. 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. They pulled him over, smelled marijuana, and found the drugs and cash in the car. Because of Thursday's law enforcement. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports are the primary drivers of the recent increase in opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. It says that the alleged drug activity spanned from Indianapolis down to southern Indiana cities like Princeton and . Vallejo-Gallo, who is in her early 40s, faces more than 50 counts, including the rarely levied charge of continuing a criminal enterprise or a drug kingpin charge, according to local U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. As the spring homebuying season approaches, affordability is at its lowest point in history, one economist said. 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. Unsuspecting users taking drugs they dont know are laced with fentanyl have created a deadly phenomenon and burgeoning public health crisis in Colorado. February 21, 2023. Amanda Lee Summers, 31, was arrested for sell and deliver methamphetamine to law enforcement. CBS News Colorado has learned that a veteran Denver police lieutenant is under investigation after he struck and killed a pedestrian. Police found more than $18,000 in cash and more than 300 pills during a traffic stop in west suburban Aurora Tuesday night. They expect to lose product, but what they want the most is to get them money down south,Besser said. Detectives pulled off a major drug bust in the Eagle Vail area this week and arrested Matthew DeAngelo. Thats the most important thing to them. Sources: months -long investigation cocaine/ Meth distribution from Mex. Five goals wasn't enough for the Avs to overcome a hot Devils offense. Since 2015, Besser said the drug landscape has shifted considerably, moving from organic heroin to synthetic pills, which are both more discreet and more lucrative for cartels. 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. APD estimated the drugs' street value at more than $200,000. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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Federal and local law enforcement agencies say the drugs come into the state from Mexico. 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. 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. In 2015, it killed 64 people in the state. Deputies conducting a routine traffic stop in Adams County took one person into custody after finding methamphetamine, fentanyl, and stacks of cash in the car. In an effort to beef up hiring numbers, the city is reforming its hiring practices by adopting more relaxed standards. 15) Deandre Hill, 41 years of age, of 138 Middle Road in Aurora. Ive never seen anything like this. Catherine Brooke Harrell, 28, was arrested for prostitution, felony possession of heroin and . Its crucially important to include a financial component in investigations of drug-related crimes, Amanda Prestegard, acting special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigations said. Listen now. It takes a good days drive to cover Colorado, but well help you do it in a few minutes. Drug kingpins dont always touch the drugs, but they do always touch the money.. It is in your neighborhood, it is saturated everywhere.. Besser said investigators are now seeing fentanyl and other deadly synthetic analogs routinely being mixed with conventional street drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. 10.21.2010 victim - janine ann johler - aurora, colorado 11.15.2011 UNSOLVED/COLD CASE HOMICIDE - NEBRASKA 06.08.2017 VICTIM - SANTANA ACOSTA - PHOENIX, ARIZONA 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. There's a rise in anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts. The investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force has been going on for at least a year. No one is immune from this drug crisis. What do you think. 29 pounds of methamphetamine, $57,000 in cash, and a Taurus 9mm semi . But it is also very cheap to produce either in China or Mexico. 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. FBI identifies Aurora woman as suspected kingpin of Mexican drug ring busted in metro area U.S. Attorney photo Authorities seized 400 pounds of methamphetamine, 15,000 fentanyl pills, five pounds. Shes been a reporter since 2012, focused on criminal justice. Approximately 15,000 candy-colored pills were seized in Manhattan, according to the DEA. Another option for Fire TV is to have the appdelivered directly to your Fire TVthrough Amazon. The drug market morphs by the hour. Read More. Here's what you need to know about this type of skin cancer. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Cant take statins? He is listed as the owner of El Rancho Market, also raided on Thursday. DENVER - Following a two year criminal drug investigation, 54 defendants were named in four separate indictments charging various violations of the Controlled Substances Act, the United States Attorney's Office and the Metro Gang Task Force announced. Tipsters can remain anonymous. A bill at the state Capitol would make some of the biggest changes to the law since it was passed more than 50 years ago. About 170,000 pills were seized in April from a vehicle outside an apartment complex in Aurora. According to the documents, some of the drugs sold by Tapia-Rubio were brought in from Mexico, via California. 21, 2022 at 1:05 PM PDT. Five people were arrested in Fort Collins after their alleged role in a drug bust. Officials said kids are buying drugs with emojis and text messages and they can do it anonymously. SAFFORD Safford Police arrested a man who reportedly admitted to having an estimated 40 grams of methamphetamine for "personal use.". AURORA, Ill. - Police found more than $18,000 in cash and more than 300 pills during a traffic stop in west suburban Aurora Tuesday night. Arthur Mills was arrested on Thursday on the 3000 block of North Race Street. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Aurora residence was on the 12100 block of Amherst Circle. Police in Adams County on Friday announced that a drug bust this month netted 20 pounds of methamphetamine. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. Police also found 20 firearms at the two locations. 24-year-old Hernan Ramirez was arrested in late December after a monthslong investigation. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. If it saves one life, for me, it was worth the whole process.. Colorado will be caught between a high pressure ridge to the east and a deep low pressure trough to the west. In Denver, the Denver Department of Health reported "the percentage change in drug-related deaths for the six months of . Gov. More than 900 people died of fentanyl overdoses in Colorado last year, according to the state health department. Phillips called the operation a sophisticated group with numerous international and interstate ties and said it has been operating in the Denver region for several years, trafficking high volumes of drugs on a weekly basis.

Drug bust in the Denver metro on Thursday. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Several of the suspects appeared in federal custody hearings Feb. 19. Authorities allowed the driver who was caught ferrying a record haul of pure fentanyl powder. Cold case: Who murdered this man on Lookout Mountain? The four weapons seized included an AR-15-style rifle and a 9 mm handgun, authorities said. 16) Arthur Moore, 68 years of age, of 712 James Drive in . Denver7 reporter Liz Gelardi tells us more about a drug ring hiding in plain sight. Search arrest records and find latests mugshots and bookings for Misdemeanors and Felonies. - 7 pounds heroin and 7 pounds crack Both Besser and District Attorney John Kellner stressed the fact that fentanyl pills are not only blue in color, but pink and white. Its also very cheap to produce in either China or Mexico, Dunn said. Private and rental vehicles and commercial trucks fre-quently are used to transport drugs into and through Colorado. 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. Police shared the following details about the large amount of drugs that were captured: - 179 pounds methamphetamines - 43 pounds. Lieutenant Greg Spayth says the incident was a sizable bust that will keep these drugs off the street. The other people indicted on lesser charges could face prison sentences of at least 10 years. On the early morning of Thursday, Mar. Body cam video shows a handcuffed suspect being thrown to ground by an Aurora police officer. 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. Ramirez posted bond on Dec. 30. 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. 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Gov. PHOTO BY QUINCY SNOWDON/Sentinel Colorado. PHOTO BY QUINCY SNOWDON/Sentinel Colorado, U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn, at the lectern, speaks with reporters Feb. 19, 2020 providing details of a massive drug bust involving Aurora suspects. Law enforcement officers made a number of arrests recently in connection to drug trafficking in Rifle and the greater Garfield County area. 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. The illicit drug has been seen on state highways more than ever before. The suspects, aged 25 to 71, were rounded up following an investigation that authorities have called 'Colorado's largest marijuana bust' since the drug was legalized for medical use in November 2000. All rights reserved. ROKU: add the channel from theROKU storeor by searching for KUSA. Investigators intercepted several shipments of drugs, Phillips said. She could be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison if convicted. One Colorado school district is making mental health a priority. On Tuesday, a local mail sorting center contacted police after co Denver police and firefighters responded to an apartment at 8330 Quincy Avenue for a suspected drug operation. Well over 300 special agents and officers arrested 28 defendants for drug trafficking and related crimes during early morning raids. Electric vehicles are the future, at least that's what Colorado's Energy Office is hoping. The officers were conducting surveillance on the suspect and knew he had a felony warrant out for his arrest. Youth are especially vulnerable, Besser said, as they are targeted on social media to purchase these drugs creating an unparalleled accessibility.. Alleged victims recount how they said David Zoda deceived them, collected thousands of dollars in moving charges, then allegedly dumped their belongings in storage lockers in Aurora. Rocky Mountain DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Besser and 18th Judicial Attorney John Kellner said they called the press conference to let people know they are not "asleep at the wheel" when it comes to drug enforcement. The Adams County Sheriff's Office says they were part of a large task force which took down a massive drug bust. A 24-year-old is under arrest and being held on a drug charge after an extensive police operation in which some officers donned hazmat suits before entering a southeast Denver apartment. Authorities seize over 11,000 units of counterfeit fentanyl in Hinds County drug bust (MDPS) By WLBT.com Staff Published: Feb. 1, 2023 at 12:43 PM PST HINDS COUNTY, Miss. Tapia-Rubio is named in the court records, among 13 other people. 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. Vallejo-Gallo was arrested at her home in Aurora on Wednesday last week and faces drug kingpin charges, Dunn said.