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. Hes accused of coordinating drug shipments and deals from Mexico, where investigators believed the fentanyl was manufactured, smuggled and brought to Colorado. Law enforcement seized the drugs and guns after serving a search warrant. 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. Colby Kendrick Anway, 22, of Windsor, arrested on warrants alleging two counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, / CBS Colorado. Over 12 pounds of Methamphetamine. 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. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. 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. Biggest seizure of pure fentanyl powder on a U.S. highway made in Colorado. Tens of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen property. The selection changes often, but if you love good Buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment most people ever make. Those arrested face charges for drug trafficking, weapon offenses and organized . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. They also include drug distribution and money laundering charges. Subscribe to Colorado Politics today! Officials say more than half of that increase was related to fentanyl overdoses. CENTER, Colo. (KKTV) - Authorities uncovered what were believed to be operating drug distribution centers in a small Colorado town. Later the same day, a third man who was arrested in the bust plead guilty as well. 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. 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. More. 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. 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. 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. 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. Threats of harming another They recovered methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Dont miss the latest news updates in Colorado. Johns was arrested on Aug. 4 and faces multiple felony charges tied to the distribution of illegal drugs. The charges range from racketeering and conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Hughes faces charges that include unlawful possession of and distribution of a controlled substance. Reach him at afleskes@prairiemountainmedia.com or on Twitter @Austinfleskes07. Thats the most important thing to them. Thats why addressing this crisis is a top priority for our office, said Attorney General Phil Weiser. The complex is off Highway 112, about 30 miles northwest of Alamosa in Rio Grande County. Chelsea is the Assistant News Director for KRDO NewsChannel 13. Blanco scheduled Frost to return for sentencing at 4 p.m. April 25. On Tuesday, the Center Police Department shared an update on the bust. 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. Tens of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen property. Pike was arrested on warrants alleging five counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and special offender importation into Colorado. - 5.2 pounds of suspected heroin Investigators uncovered a large market for illicit drugs, including heroin and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Although drug runners were taken off the streets, their positions will be refilled soon enough. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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 men and the second man among all those arrested to enter a plea following their arrest nearly a year ago. Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! This effort is an excellent example of what we accomplish through ongoing collaboration in our state.". / CBS Colorado. 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. 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. Colorado's drop in life expectancy blamed on COVID, drugs. Fred Smith knows real estate. 22 firearms including some stolen, illegally modified or fully automatic. Published: Jun. SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Investigations from 9Wants to Know. 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. 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. They also found a loaded Remington handgun. Investigators said it is believed the drug trafficking ring in Colorado has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. Guilty to possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance, a class 2 drug felony; and menacing, a class 5 felony. Some of the drug busts related to takedown happened in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. PUBLISHED: March 13, 2021 at 3:24 p.m. | UPDATED: March 14, 2021 at 12:02 p.m. 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. They include: Two other men, Robert Wayne Webb of Wellington and Ethan Richard Frei of Loveland, are wanted in connection with the investigation. That included the following, according to the Eagle County Sheriff's Office: - 4.8 pounds of suspected cocaine Those who were indicted are accused of bringing the deadly drugs from Mexico through U.S. Numerous rifles and handguns, as well as a shotgun. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Police in Colorado Springs made a major drug bust and believe they have their prime suspect in custody. KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. Each is a drug-related felony. Besser, the sheriffs in Arapahoe and Douglas counties, Denver police andJohn Kellner, the district attorney for Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, announced their latest in a string of fentanyl busts, almost apologizing that fentanyl news is getting so commonplace that theyre afraid people have stopped paying attention. Courtesy Longmont Police Department. 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In December 2020, law enforcement officers arrested a Colorado Springs man at his apartment on Pikes Peak Avenue. 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. Jaxon Fisher is scheduled to appear for an arraignment at 10 a.m. March 30 and Bray Sun Pike is scheduled to appear for a disposition at 10:30 a.m. April 25. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. He is being held for parole violation with no bond. The fentanyl flooding Colorado this summer is cheaper, now comes in pink and white, and is sometimes laced with the taste of monkfruit. Other dangerous drugs including heroin, cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms. 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. Fentanyl pills, previously known as blues because of their blue color, are now available in pink and white. 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. person will not be tolerated. 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. 2, 2021 at 5:28 AM PDT CENTER, Colo. (KKTV) - Authorities uncovered what were believed to be "operating drug distribution centers" in. He bonded out on the charges. racist or sexually-oriented language. Use the 'Report' link on Ports. 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 hasnt yet arrested the original dealer, believed to be in Mexico, who coordinated with the group. Copyright 2021 KKTV. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. On May 10 and May 19, the task force executed multiple search warrants across Fort Collins, Loveland and Longmont. 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. said they called a news conference to let people know they are not asleep at the wheel when it comes to drug enforcement. 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. 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). After large fentanyl bust, Colorado drug enforcement officials warn public not to get weary of news. Overall the state and federal investigation recovered: According to the coroner's office in El Paso County, drug overdoses increased by 30% in 2020. The record haul from last months bust was packed into 48 1-kilo blocks. 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. Officials said kids are buying drugs with emojis and text messages and they can do it anonymously. His bond was set at $30,000. 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. 22 firearms including some stolen, illegally . 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. 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. The suspects arrested in connection with the case so far are: Those arrested face charges for drug trafficking, weapon offenses and organized crime offenses. The prime suspect was identified as William Johns. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. In the latest bust, authorities seized 170,000 fentanyl pills outside of an Aurora apartment. The spacious, modern Austin Fleskes joined the Reporter-Herald team in August 2020 as the newsroom's public safety reporter. All rights reserved. Colorado communities and families have suffered greatly from the opioid epidemicand that impact is getting worse during this pandemic. (Shutterstock) DENVER, CO Sixty-four people were indicted in a drug trafficking and . August 19, 2021 / 5:37 PM 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Fisher was arrested on a warrant alleging vehicular eluding. Bowser Drive is just to the northwest of the Citadel Mall. In addition, investigators found four long guns, two handguns, body armor, a homemade silencer and three hand grenades. Bray Sun Pike, 49. They expect to lose product, but what they want the most is to get them money down south,Besser said. The Drug Enforcement Administration, AG's office, and 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office worked together to indict 64 people in the nearly two-year investigation. Denver officers shoot suspect in barricade situation, police say, Isolated storms Tuesday; 70s here to stay. According to the indictment, one of the men arrested was shipping drugs through the postal service in Colorado Springs. 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. Yasmany Piedra of Longmont, one of the eight arrested, also pleaded guilty Monday. 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. July 23, 2021 / 6:35 PM Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The best home improvement jobs deserve the best materials. 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. accounts, the history behind an article. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? 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. Frost was arrested for investigation of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. No bond was set for this charge. LCSO said the following evidence was seized during the execution of search warrants: Over 4,500 Fentanyl pills. 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. 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.