State, federal authorities bust Colorado-based international drug ring, arrest 64

DENVER — State and federal authorities announced Friday the dismantling of an international drug trafficking ring and money laundering enterprise operating throughout the state of Colorado.

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The nearly two-year investigation netted 64 arrests on charges of “participating in an international drug trafficking network that transported large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl from Mexico through U.S. ports of entry into Colorado in motor vehicles with concealed compartments,” according to a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration news release.

Specifically, the investigation recovered the following:

• 77,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills (containing fentanyl)

• 250 pounds of methamphetamine

• 60 pounds of heroin

• 6.8 kilograms of cocaine

• 12 firearms

• 19 vehicles valued at $229,000

• $931,000 in U.S. currency

“Colorado communities and families have suffered greatly from the opioid epidemic, and that impact is getting worse during this pandemic. That’s why addressing this crisis is a top priority for our office,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser stated, adding, “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.”

The investigation also uncovered a money laundering operation – comprised of cells in the greater Denver area, Colorado Springs and Adams County – that trafficked drug proceeds through numerous wire transfers and bulk U.S. currency transports to Mexico, the news release stated.

Cox Media Group