Besser said the I-70 and I-25 corridors are where the deadly drugs head East while money heads South. Denver leaders including Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen spoke with journalists on Sunday afternoon after what police describe as a "suspicious occurrence" near Coors Field. The same week of that large drug bust, Miller seized more . We are watching a system moving across Utah that will bring increasing snow chances for the mountains for your Friday afternoon and evening. . University of Denver students are calling out campus leaders to halt a controversial speaker stepping foot on campus. Law enforcement seized over 110,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, 6. In an effort to beef up hiring numbers, the city is reforming its hiring practices by adopting more relaxed standards. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. - 43 pounds cocaine Aurora only hired 17 new police officers last year. Approximately 15,000 candy-colored pills were seized in Manhattan, according to the DEA. 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. Ive got a news flash for you. AURORA | An Aurora woman has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for conspiring to transport large quantities of illicit drugs from Mexico into the U.S., according to the Department of Justice. 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). They are available everywhere and can be obtained with little effort.. Besser said he worries that fentanyl could soon be laced into vape products, which are already incredibly popular with many younger users. You have permission to edit this article. In my 31 years of law enforcement, I have never seen anything like the current drug crisis, Besser said. It has arrested 65 high-level defendants and confiscated 500,000 fake fentanyl pills, 360 pounds of meth, 104 pounds of cocaine and taken nearly 200 guns off the street that were tied to drug operations. 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 . Besser said a lot of drugs pass through Denver because of its central location, but he stressed that not everything is gloom and doom. 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. 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. The source of these narcotics originated in Mexico. Dezmen Albritton. Denver Police Chief Paul M. Pazen said in a statement that his department "continue to arrest those who prey on those who suffer from addiction. The illicit drug has been seen on state highways more than ever before. Adams County Sheriff's Office, Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Aurora Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Commerce City . There's a rise in anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts. She could be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison if convicted. He is listed as the owner of El Rancho Market, also raided on Thursday. According to 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner, about 200,000 fentanyl pills were recovered during the investigation along with 9.4 lbs of heroin, 1 kilogram of cocaine, four guns and. Denver Health Officials Warn About Increase In Deadly Overdoses Linked To Fentanyl. Search arrest records and find latests mugshots and bookings for Misdemeanors and Felonies. 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. Youth are especially vulnerable, Besser said, as they are targeted on social media to purchase these drugs creating an unparalleled accessibility.. 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 . The four weapons seized included an AR-15-style rifle and a 9 mm handgun, authorities said. Douglas County Sheriff Capt. They pulled him over, smelled marijuana, and found the drugs and cash in the car. Daytime high temperatures will be in the mid to upper 40s throughout the front range. Douglas. 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. 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. illicit drug in the past year. Subscribe to ourdaily 9NEWSLETTERfor top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Investigators intercepted several shipments of drugs, Phillips said. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. FBI Chicago October 04, 2011. 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. Fentanyl pills are extremely cheap right now, officials said Wednesday. They then distributed the substances across the state. It's a favorite destination for foodies, putting the spotlight on the city's food scene through hundreds of local restaurants. 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. 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. / CBS Colorado. By Tony Keith. Court records indicate Tapio-Rubio operated a multi-kilogram cocaine and methamphetamine distribution network with drugs supplied from Mexico. (CBS4) - The U.S. Department of Justice says a drug strike force dismantled a major drug dealing operation which was working in Denver and Aurora. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. 8, 2021 at 9:32 PM PDT. Police in Adams County on Friday announced that a drug bust this month netted 20 pounds of methamphetamine. 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. The Aurora Police Department assisted in the seizure on Amherst Circle. Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Gregory Thomas, Chief of the Aurora Police Department (APD), announced today the arrest of three individuals for violation . Lizalde and Angelique Torres, who were both in the car, are facing felony drug charges. Compare Drug Bust Counseling Center in Aurora, CO. Access business information, offers, and more - THE REAL YELLOW PAGES More Info. 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. It was led by Saul Ramon Rivera-Beltran, 30, of Thornton, according to the DEA, who they said coordinated the drug shipments and deals from Mexico. Gov. Press Release. 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. Former Washington Capital forward Lars Eller is now a member of the Colorado Avalanche! Officials said kids are buying drugs with emojis and text messages and they can do it anonymously. PHOTO BY QUINCY SNOWDON/Sentinel Colorado. A search of the vehicle yielded $18,645 USC, 254.81 grams cannabis, 231 pills of Alprazolam (Xanax), 108 pills of Oxycodone, 25 pills MDMA and a digital scale. After another large bust, drug enforcement officials warn the public not to get weary of fentanyl news, Hondu Multiservicios, LLC at 6671 Federal Boulevard, according to the grand jury indictment obtained by The Gazette, Report: Reliever Brad Hand signs with Colorado Rockies, Jamal Murray's big second half serves as last laugh vs. old friend and Memphis Grizzlies, National park in Colorado ranks 4th most-visited nationwide, others rank much lower, Locals concerned about possibility of Colorado's 43rd state park, COLUMN: Pandemics bureaucrats betrayed our trust | Jimmy Sengenberger, EDITORIAL: Legislators want local heroin injection sites, Brewers' Bracket: Vote for your favorite Denver or Front Range brewery, DENVER GAZETTE PODCASTS | News, Sports, Politics and Lifestyle, Sign up for our newsletters and get the news that matters most delivered to your inbox, Colorado's fentanyl crisis: Full coverage, Alleged driver of record fentanyl haul in Colorado is MIA, Class-action suit filed against parental evaluator who said he disbelieves 90% of domestic violence allegations, Wine sales in Colorado grocery, convenience stores begin this week, In search of fairness: Tug-of-war between jury inclusiveness and juror impartiality reaches Colorado Supreme Court, Rent control bill heads to Colorado Senate with uncertain future, Colorado legislators kill 'fair workweek' bill requiring payment to workers for 'show-up time'. 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. Sizemore collapsed at his home in Los Angeles last month after suffering a brain aneurysm. A 19-year-old Arizona man is under arrest in Colorado's high country after authorities found large amounts of drugs in his car. 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. When we take into consideration the worst possible outcomes of this poison being pushed out in mass in our communities, Ive never seen anything like this, ever. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The Albuquerque Police Department is trying to get to the root of the problem when it comes to violent crime . All rights reserved. Yates is Pierce's sister. Officials have arrested 24 of the people mentioned in the indictment on a slew of charges, including racketeering, money laundering and conspiracy to distribute various drugs. 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. The case involves a wiretap investigation that began in December and also netted $60,000 in stolen merchandise. Police shared the following details about the large amount of drugs that were captured: - 179 pounds methamphetamines 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. Published: Jun. On Wednesday, 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. ", RELATED: Denver Health Officials Warn About Increase In Deadly Overdoses Linked To Fentanyl. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Five goals wasn't enough for the Avs to overcome a hot Devils offense. Tipsters can remain anonymous. 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. About 170,000 pills were seized in April from a vehicle outside an apartment complex in Aurora. It will be a mild and dry start to the weekend. EVANSVILLE, Ind. Here's what you need to know about this type of skin cancer. AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - A popular grocery store in Aurora was raided as part of the takedown of a large-scale cocaine and methamphetamine organization. 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. Those documents were protected by court order. In the last 20 years in Colorado, nearly 5,000 Coloradans died from a prescription opioid overdose. The record haul from last months bust was packed into 48 one-kilo blocks. You think the cartels are in Mexico? Gov. Amanda Lee Summers, 31, was arrested for sell and deliver methamphetamine to law enforcement. Dunn and Phillips praised the collaborative effort among a variety of federal agencies that helped to build the criminal case against the trafficking groups and to arrest two dozen alleged members. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Vallejo-Gallo was arrested at her home in Aurora on Wednesday last week and faces drug kingpin charges, Dunn said. A 40-year Colorado news veteran, Carol McKinley started in radio, and traveled the world as a network TV correspondent/producer. Washington, D.C. Man Convicted After Nine-Day Trial for Use of a Firearm in Connection with a Murder and a Robbery, and for a Drug Distribution Conspiracy. Federal and local law enforcement agencies say the drugs come into the state from Mexico. Aurora Police said the investigation began in September after their narcotics. 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. In the latest bust, authorities seized 170,000 fentanyl pills outside of an Aurora apartment. Deputies found 274 marijuana plants and 60 pounds of packaged pot in an illegal grow operation. Cold case: Who murdered this man on Lookout Mountain? February 21, 2023. 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. NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott had successful surgery for an unspecified injury to his left leg Friday night, hours after a snowboarding accident in Colorado. Authorities allowed the driver who was caught ferrying a record haul of pure fentanyl powder. In one shipment recovered by authorities, drugs were hidden in a childs backpack and mailed through UPS to a woman in the ring who had children, Dunn said. In an unrelated traffic stop of a vehicle headed toward Tulsa, Oklahoma, on I-70 in February, 30,000 fentanyl pills were collected. Treatment data indicate that cocaine, particularly crack, commonly is abused in Denver. Arthur Mills, 59, was arrested on Thursday, according to the Denver Police Department. Colorado will be caught between a high pressure ridge to the east and a deep low pressure trough to the west. 16) Arthur Moore, 68 years of age, of 712 James Drive in . The incident followed a domestic disturbance, which was being investigated by the Burt County Sheriff's Office. We can help you keep up. 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. Four. APD makes several arrests in Social Media Drug Operation. Denver Restaurant Week is officially upon us! #9news @9WantsToKnow pic.twitter.com/rW4LkXCrHr. Most street users will not purposely want to take fentanyl some do, but for the most part they dont, because of how serious it is, how its so hard to dose because a microscopic amount can be fatal and theyre fearful of that, he said. The student group Denver East Students Demand Action led a walkout from class Friday morning to call for legislative action on gun safety measures. BOND: $2000. One Colorado school district is making mental health a priority. 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. Denver7 reporter Liz Gelardi tells us more about a drug ring hiding in plain sight. Drug-related treatment admissions in Colorado are at relatively high levels. 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). It starts with a small case that can be built into something meaningful, Kellner said. Kellner acknowledged that stopping this operation will only put a temporary pause on business. 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The homes where the drugs were found were in Denver and Aurora. 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.