, 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. Federal and local law enforcement are executing warrants related to a drugdistributionbust in the Denver metro area Thursday morning. She could be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison if convicted. Shes been a reporter since 2012, focused on criminal justice. Greed is a traffickers main motivation. Gov. The arrests were made by over 500 law enforcement officers, making this the largest drug bust in Denver history. ROKU: add the channel from theROKU storeor by searching for KUSA. Federal and local law enforcement agencies say the drugs come into the state from Mexico. In 2021, illegal fentanyl killed 709 people in Colorado, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. The illicit drug has been seen on state highways more than ever before. Authorities also recovered 10 guns during the investigation, which began in January 2019. As the spring homebuying season approaches, affordability is at its lowest point in history, one economist said. 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. Tapia-Rubio is named in the court records, among 13 other people. 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. 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. The Denver Police Department will continue to arrest those who prey on those who suffer from addiction, Chief Paul M. Pazen said in a news release. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cold case: Who murdered this man on Lookout Mountain? Jared Polis signed Colorado's new fentanyl accountability bill at a ceremony at the state Capitol in May the new law provides stricter criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of fentanyl and other drugs laced with it. Kellner acknowledged that stopping this operation will only put a temporary pause on business. Denver police and firefighters responded to an apartment at 8330 Quincy Avenue for a suspected drug operation. illicit drug in the past year. Police shared the following details about the large amount of drugs that were captured: - 179 pounds methamphetamines Authorities have also seized $16 million in drug money. APD makes several arrests in Social Media Drug Operation. 29 pounds of methamphetamine, $57,000 in cash, and a Taurus 9mm semi . A Mexican national who was residing in Aurora illegally, Vallejo-Gallo and her group used overland traffickers and UPS shipments to get drugs to the metroplex, according to Dunn. In an unrelated traffic stop of a vehicle headed toward Tulsa, Oklahoma, on I-70 in February, 30,000 fentanyl pills were collected. In my opinion, bulk fentanyl quantities like this hold the caliber of weapons of mass destruction-type concern when we take into consideration the worst possible outcomes of this poison being pushed out in mass to our communities, said Brian Besser, the special agent in charge of the DEAs Denver Field Division. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. No one is immune from this drug crisis. AURORA, Ill. - Eighteen people were arrested and charged with numerous illegal gun and drug related felonies in Aurora Wednesday. Police in Adams County on Friday announced that a drug bust this month netted 20 pounds of methamphetamine. If convicted Vallejo-Gallo could face 20 years to life in federal prison. Colorado had more drug seizures, per pound, from 2017 through 2021 than any other state in the country the second state was California. More than 900 people died of fentanyl overdoses in Colorado last year, according to the state health department. Aurora Police said the investigation began in September after their narcotics. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 12:00 PM CST, Lake County, Lake County, until MON 6:00 AM CST, Lake County, Kenosha County, is in effect, LaSalle County, Newton County, from SUN 6:00 PM CST until TUE 12:00 AM CST, Lake County, Newton County, Man charged in shooting death of Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso ordered held without bond, Services announced for Chicago Police Officer Andres Mauricio Vasquez Lasso who was killed in the line of duty, Replay Lincoln Park transforms into iconic 'Paddy's Pub', Lightfoot loses re-election bid, this is the date she will leave office, Man shot, seriously wounded while sitting in parked car on Southwest Side, Des Plaines man charged with attempted murder in motel stabbing, Jesse Wilson: Adoptive mother arrested in boy's death in Arizona, Cook County man charged with murdering woman he dated for 3 years, Chicago man charged in fatal South Shore shooting. for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. But make no mistake: In this case, my understanding is the drugs here were actually bound for Colorado. 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. . 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. Investigators intercepted several shipments of drugs, Phillips said. 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. According to DEA estimates, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder is enough to kill 500,000 people. The officers were conducting surveillance on the suspect and knew he had a felony warrant out for his arrest. Obviously with the nexus of I-25 and I-70, Colorado seems I think to have a disproportionate share of interstate drug trafficking that flows through our state, Dunn said. 2023 Colorado Public Radio. Polis said the plan will build on previous efforts to bring down costs and increase transparency. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Get content and information right now for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox. Douglas. Special Agent Garrett Croon (312) 829-1199. In the latest bust, authorities seized 170,000 fentanyl pills outside of an Aurora apartment. 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. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. The See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Odom Memorial Community Drug Bust locations in Aurora, CO. Police also found 20 firearms at the two locations. 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. / CBS Colorado. Four locations were searched in Aurora on Thursday as part of this drug bust, sources say. Gov. Theyre here. for the State of Colorado (19.3 percent) but is higher than the national rate (14.7 percent) (Figure 1). In an effort to beef up hiring numbers, the city is reforming its hiring practices by adopting more relaxed standards. 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.. Most opioid addicts dont seek out fentanyl due to the extremely high risk of incurring a fatal overdose, Dunn said. Click here to view all charges. On the early morning of Thursday, Mar. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. They also confiscated 9.4 pounds of heroin, a 2.2 pounds of cocaine, four guns including an AR-15. Arthur Mills was arrested on Thursday on the 3000 block of North Race Street. PHOTO BY QUINCY SNOWDON/Sentinel Colorado. 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.. The Colorado legislature may finally let it. 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. JOLIET, IL On Tuesday, the Will County Sheriff's Office announced a major drug bust led to the recovery of 13 bundles of meth, two containers of Fentanyl pills and eight bundles of cocaine . Thats the most important thing to them. (WEHT) Five people were put behind bars in Evansville after a suspicious package led to a large drug bust. The other people indicted on lesser charges could face prison sentences of at least 10 years. EVANSVILLE, Ind. 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. Ive got a news flash for you. In 2015, it killed 64 people in the state. March 11, 2022 / 7:35 PM When bought in bulk, fentanyl pills that used to cost $8 to $10 can now be found for just $1. 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. Fentanyl pills are extremely cheap right now, officials said Wednesday. Electric vehicles are the future, at least that's what Colorado's Energy Office is hoping. A 19-year-old Arizona man is under arrest in Colorado's high country after authorities found large amounts of drugs in his car. The drugs are estimated to have a street value in the millions, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. The Colorado State Patrol reported that it has seized 225 pounds of fentanyl through the first half of this year, compared to 150 pounds in 2021. 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. 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. According. Published: Jun. 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. What do you think. Law enforcement officers made a number of arrests recently in connection to drug trafficking in Rifle and the greater Garfield County area. Approximately 15,000 candy-colored pills were seized in Manhattan, according to the DEA. 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 . Deputies found 274 marijuana plants and 60 pounds of packaged pot in an illegal grow operation. The leader of the group, Candelaria Vallejo-Gallo, was arrested last week in her Aurora home, according to Dean Phillips, acting special agent in charge at the Denver division of the FBI. 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. 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. Subscribe to ourdaily 9NEWSLETTERfor top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Although drug runners were taken off of the streets, their positions will be refilled soon enough. The find was part of a coordinated Aurora drug bust announced Feb. 19, 2020. Law enforcement officials reported last month that more than 2 million dosage units of fentanyl were removed from Colorado communities so far this year. AURORA, Colo. A 24-year-old man was arrested on drug charges late last month after a four-month investigation. They were taken by surprise by Biden's sudden announcement that he would not stop Congress from blocking D.C.'s new sentencing guidelines from going into effect. The big storm system from the southwest is still on track to move across southern New Mexico. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Scout Motors picks South Carolina for new $2B EV. AURORA, Colo. A 24-year-old man was arrested on drug charges late last month after a four-month investigation. He was in the Denver County jail as of Friday night. 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. Lizalde and Angelique Torres, who were both in the car, are facing felony drug charges. Fentanyl is being mixed with heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and illegally produced marijuana. 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. 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. The record haul from last months bust was packed into 48 one-kilo blocks. The Aurora residence was on the 12100 block of Amherst Circle. 8, 2021 at 9:32 PM PDT. The Colorado State Patrol discovered the 114-pound mega-haul hidden underneath a trap door beneath the front seats of a vehicle during a traffic stop. It's a favorite destination for foodies, putting the spotlight on the city's food scene through hundreds of local restaurants. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. However, groups like Vallejo-Gallos are increasingly manufacturing the potent opioid to bump their profit margins by camouflaging it as more sought-after and expensive prescription pills. Gov. Colorado will be caught between a high pressure ridge to the east and a deep low pressure trough to the west. 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. 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. Now: 1 location off miss & Peoria in aurora. Ramirez posted bond on Dec. 30. Drug kingpins dont always touch the drugs, but they do always touch the money.. Courtesy of the Adams County Sheriff's Office. 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. "The Boss" performed in Colorado as part of his Springsteen E Street Band 2023 Tour and also surprised a Denver store owner a few hours before the show. On Wednesday, the department shared details on the case . On Feb. 28, the drug task force made up of officers from the Safford, Thatcher, and Pima Police departments, Graham County Sheriff's Office, and Arizona Department of Public Safety, raided the residence at about 6:45 a.m. by announcing their presence via a loudspeaker and breaching the front door using door rams and pry bars. The investigation that turned into a joint wiretap probe with the 18th Judicial District, DEA, Arapahoe County and Denver police began in December 2021, Kellner 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. Read More. The investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force has been going on for at least a year. Colorado's first fully-licensed legal marijuana tour bus is now open for business.