Law enforcement told us . Thats a lot of methamphetamine that was coming into this area, Montrose Police Cmdr. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - (KREX) There were drug busts at several homes in Mesa County as the Sheriff's office assisted the Drug Enforcement Agency in taking down illegal grow operations. Suite 1600 Create a password that only you will remember. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The only other defendant who has so far been sentenced, Joseph Davis, was ordered to serve 151 months in federal prison. I am from last name Briseno, born over by Phoenix. var year = today.getFullYear() It's a health crisis that's been increasingly in the public eye, but the newest data are still startling: Some 912 people died of an overdose in 2016 - a state record. The defendants also face additional charges as well in relation to the distribution of meth and heroin. The criminal investigation was conducted by the Denver Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Montrose County Sheriffs Office, and the Montrose Police Department, along with staff from the 7th Judicial District Attorneys Office. They were able to leave them basically unattended for long periods of time," said the undercover officer. He led a platoon of cavalry troopers in combat during the Gulf War. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Attorneys Office for Utah / Pexels / DEA), Mesa County Sheriffs Office responds to shooting, Congresswoman Boeberts Trust the Science bill passes House committee, Former Tina Peters ally Sandra Brown jailed, Community mural: hundreds of helping hands, Murray scores 34, Nuggets beat Suns 125-107 in Game 1, Perdomo, Walker homer in D-backs 11-4 win over Rockies, Defending champ Avs force Game 7 with 4-1 win over Kraken. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The Western Colorado Drug Task force seized seven pounds of heroine, six ounces of cocaine, and $10,000 in cash. Calls about suspicious activity in a Montrose neighborhood set off a chain of events that led to multiple agencies uncovering and disrupting a possible drug pipeline between here and California. Following her prison sentence, Maestas was ordered to serve 5 years on supervised release. They commit crimes that cause social harm across the community. Chinn, Dunlap and Lillard praised the local task force, DEA, Western Slope Task Force and other agencies. The defendants, who appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver this past week, face federal drug charges for the alleged distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, a news release said. Official websites use .gov Montrose resident and ringleader of major drug trafficking operation on Western Slope sentenced to prison, He also had a drug trade themed ballad written about him, (U.S. It's official: Jamal Murray, Nuggets are in Phoenix's heads now. The cases against the other 10 defendants are pending. Lafond and Kissell were stopped on the interstate while driving a 2001 Buick Century for which task force agents and their partner agencies had obtained a search warrant. This case was investigated by the DEA with substantial support from the Montrose Police Department and the Montrose County Sheriff. Thirteen other defendants have been previously charged in the case based on a December of 2019 indictment, the release said. Since 2015, the task force has handled more than 100 cases and seized nearly 30 pounds of meth, along with more than 30 ounces of cocaine, 40 grams of heroin, 1,250 marijuana plants and 2,525 pounds of dried marijuana, as well as firearms and one vehicle used in the commission of these crimes. Thirteen defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury with drug distribution charges following a year-long investigation done by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Montrose County Sheriff's Office, and the Montrose Police Department. Law enforcement spoke with Montezuma County Sheriff Deputy Victor Galarza, who was a Mexican diplomat to the United States from 1989 to 1992 and focuses heavily on Mexican narco culture. Galarza stated that the song was a personal narcocorrido, likely commissioned by Briceno-Quijano himself. WANTED: 2 people tied to massive drug bust operation in Colorado, 40 others arrested, 1 dead, 1 rescued by firefighters after speeding car crashed into tree in Colorado Springs, Student with multiple arrest warrants taken into custody at D-11 school with loaded handgun, One suspect is in police custody after alleged home invasion in Colorado Springs, WATCH: Wildfire and disaster funding in Colorado. 13 people in Montrose County were indicted on Tuesday following a year-long drug trafficking investigation. Police said those arrested . Those documents were protected by court order. The investigation uncovered a money-laundering operation that trafficked drug proceeds through a variety of wire transfers and bulk cash transports to Mexico, authorities said. U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello pronounced the sentences. Once Briceno-Quijano had a drug order, he would send a courier to make the delivery. Of the 13 defendants indicted in the case, three, including Maestas, have pleaded guilty. Were hoping that by taking that down, it will have an effect on supply and demand here in Montrose.. Police said the suspects are not related. Thats why addressing this crisis is a top priority for our office, Weiser said. Information about the case was released Wednesday afternoon. The defendants are identified as: Daniel Gastelo-Ochoa, 32, Denver; Carlos Quijano-Ruiz, 52, Montrose; Rafael Jaramillo-Hernandez, 32, Montrose; Catyria Gisela Lopez-Gomez, 41, Fort Collins; Margarita Jaquelin Cruz-Gomez, 35, Montrose; Dalilah Suarez-Lopez, 23, Fort Collins; and Carlos Aurelio Beltran-Gonzalez, 32, Montrose. Yet, studies have shown such treatment, followed by regular attendance at 12-step or other fellowship meetings, can result in long-term sobriety for many patients. With the help of Luisitio everything is excellent. According to GJPD . One-in-four of the pills sold in Colorado contain what could be a lethal dose of Fentanyl. 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On Tuesday, the Center Police Department shared an update. They said they discovered a sophisticated marijuana-growing operation and more than 600 plants. Drug operation leads to three arrests in Montrose By (Calvin Corey) Published: Oct. 15, 2020 at 11:23 AM PDT GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) - A multi-agency law enforcement operation that targeted. The pair is suspected on suspicion of drug transportation and weapons offenses. Each has been charged with felony marijuana possession. Let us know what's going on! This coordinated effort led to the simultaneous arrest of all thirteen people in various parts of Montrose on Tuesday. 13 people in Montrose County were indicted on Tuesday following a year-long drug trafficking investigation. The Montrose County Sheriffs Office has been working and will continue to work proactively to combat the drug issues that are affecting the city and county of Montrose. Related court documents can be found onPACERby searching for Case Numbers 19-cr-535 and 20-cr-0166. Omar Briceno-Quijano, a 31-year-old resident of Montrose,. Wick Communications, Items law enforcement seized from the bust. All rights reserved. Have a question about Government Services? Attorneys Office for Utah / Pexels / DEA | U.S. This is a prime example of how we work very well with federal law enforcement. Briceno-Quijano was involved in sending illegal narcotics from Mexico to the Western Slope, where he would distribute the drugs via a phone-order system. Marion Boister, of HPD's narcotics division. Possibly the biggest drug bust in state history -- and it happened right here in southern Colorado. Also El Chon and El Pillo are my beloved sons too. DENVER, Colo. (KJCT) - A major ringleader in the Western Slope drug trafficking business has been sentenced to federal prison. Those indicted include; According to the indictment, from Jan 1, 2019, until Dec 18, 2019, the thirteen defendants conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and less than 100 grams of heroin. Keeler: Chris Paul got dirty. Glenn spent about six years in the Army - both as an enlisted soldier and officer. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Colorado communities and families have suffered greatly from the opioid epidemicand that impact is getting worse during this pandemic. Its very good.. Kevin Durant moped. Investigators uncovered a thriving illegal drug market, including heroin and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, authorities said. Kiszla: Avs embarrass themselves with silence about Valeri Nichushkin's mysterious absence following reported 9-1-1 call, Andrew Cogliano out for Game 7 with fractured neck after Jordan Eberle's hit leaves Avalanche miffed at lack of suspension, Celebration of life for Alexa Bartell, killed by rock thrown through windshield, draws hundreds to Arvada church, With Andrew Cogliano out for rest of Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kraken's Jordan Eberle discusses hit that fractured Cogliano's neck, Denver airport makes Food & Wine's list of top 10 U.S. airports with best restaurants, Skier killed in avalanche near Breckenridge, Your complete guide to Denver-area farmers markets in 2023, Here's the final tally on Russell Wilson trade between Broncos and Seahawks, Kiszla: Gritty, little underdog Nuggets remind Phoenix who's real team to beat in the West, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Kieran Nicholson, who has been with The Denver Post since 1986, covers breaking news. 64 people indicted in massive Colorado drug, 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), 64 people indicted in massive Colorado drug ring bust, Greeley police shoot, kill man who allegedly shot at them; no officers injured, Missing Indigenous Person Alert canceled after teenage girl found safe, Missing Indigenous Person Alert created for woman last seen in Englewood. Both are pictured at the top of this article. All of a sudden over the years, I established by store. Spokesman, Public Affairs Officer Mike Glenn grew up in the Navy but enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school in Rockwall, Texas. My daughter, my only female, how much do I love her. By Ryan Biller | rbiller@denverpost.com |. Fax Line: (303) 454-0400. Montrose County marijuana bust yields 1,500 pounds worth estimated $4.5 million News Crime and Public Safety Bust uncovers 1,500 pounds of marijuana, worth estimated $4.5 million, in. Those seated were customers and later let go, according to . "Further intelligence gathered from this investigation identified three organizational distribution branches," The City of Pueblo stated in a release. Over time, authorities realized the breadth of the illegal drug operation was taking place over the entire Front Range of Colorado, according to the city of Pueblo. "They are still trying to identify additional locations and additional suspects," said Sgt. Police obtained a search warrant and raided the house in the 1000 block of Fairview on March 2. April 2, 2018 Behavioral Health Substance Use More Coloradans have been dying of drug overdoses each year for nearly a decade. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado With my moms blessing and my old mans advice, backed up by my friend Y who is my friend. Vehicles associated with marijuana grows discovered in the Dolores River Canyon, rural Montrose County, were linked to the suspects, according to the criminal complaint against Garcia and. The courier was typically Luis Ibarra-Tadeo, one of his co-defendants, though he occasionally used others. Police raided multiple locations across town on Wednesday morning, making five arrests here and in Montrose in a drug investigation that spanned months and involved federal and local law enforcement agencies. More than 900 of those deaths were due to synthetic opioids that included fentanyl. 17, 2019 at 1:56 PM PDT. 800 talking about this. Following his honorable discharge, Glenn attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he received a BA in History and a commission as a lieutenant in the Army. Investigators part of the North Metro Task. They were bringing them back to a location here in Montrose and how these people have affected that particular neighborhood has, in my opinion, been pretty horrific. British and French frigates HMS Montrose and FS Jean Bart have bagged $1m of drugs in a bust in the Arabian Sea. This effort is an excellent example of what we accomplish through ongoing collaboration in our state.. Prosecutors later added a charge of tampering with a witness or informant, according to court documents, after Maestas posted court documents on Facebook that openly accused another member of the trafficking operation with cooperating with police. Colorado Gov. Published: Apr. For our drug task force to be able to get the information they did and generate the interests of the DEA, in my opinion is very tremendous, Chinn said. Lafond and Kissell were arrested on suspicion of offenses related to drug transportation and held at the Mesa County Jail. The investigation, initiated and steadily pursued by the 7th Judicial Drug Task Force, resulted in a Jan. 26 traffic stop on Interstate 70 and the arrests of Robert Lafond and Alicia Kissell plus the recovery of 10 pounds of methamphetamine and weapons. She is accused of distribution/manufacture/intent to distribute drugs, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, drug and drug paraphernalia possession and of violating probation in another case, per the CBI records. They do excellent work and I think this shows what kind of work they do. MONTROSE Five people were arrested this morning in Montrose and Telluride on allegations related to cocaine trafficking and weapons smuggling. Copyright 2022 KJCT. About 30 officers from both local and federal agencies arrested five people between here and Montrose and seized 15 pounds of cocaine and four firearms. "Their whole lives revolved around maintaining these houses," said the undercover investigator. It's official: Jamal Murray, Nuggets are in Phoenix's heads now. The two warships worked together to intercept a dhow carrying 94kg of heroin and . This was a big drug bust and it should have a trickle-down effect to a lot of people here in town, Chinn said. In addition to the drug conspiracy charge, Quijano-Ruiz, Jaramillo-Hernandez, Lopez-Gomez, Cruz-Gomez, Suarez-Lopez and Beltran-Gonzalez allegedly conspired with each other, and other defendants previously charged, to conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions involving the proceeds of illegal drug distribution, the release said. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Transporting that across state lines enhances the investigation itself, he said. The city of Pueblo shared information on "Operation Double Dippin" with the public on Wednesday. When you arrest high profile offenders, you should see a reduction in crime overall in your community, says Blaine Hall, Chief of Police for the City of Montrose. Colorado Springs Police; Drug Bust; First published on August 11, 2021 / 3:34 PM Glenn is married and has a daughter in college. Deput Five men recently indicted on drug trafficking charges were moving pounds of methamphetamine into Montrose as part of a scheme that utilized courier services, the 7th Judicial District Drug. We look forward to continuing the prosecutions in the case and ensuring that this drug ring is stomped out permanently., The DEA applauds the sentencing of Maestas, said Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter of the DEA Denver Field Division. Montrose resident's tip led to major drug bust. The charges were announced Friday by Colorado Attorney General Phil . Copyright 2020 KJCT. The press release from the U.S. Attorney General's. The traffickers probably netted at least $1.5 million per year before their scheme was closed down, police said. While about 22.5 million Americans misuse illicit drugs or alcohol, only a small number of those people receive treatment. Montrose sheriff praises efforts of all agencies, Drug task force did a good job, police chief says. Maestas was sentenced to 130 months for the drug crimes, and 30 months for the witness, victim or informant tampering, with both sentences to run consecutive. A state, federal and local investigation has busted a Colorado drug and money laundering ring with ties to Mexico and 64 people have been indicted by a state grand jury. Seven additional suspects have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into a drug and money laundering ring on the Western Slope, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Adam Livermore, Jonas Najar Jr., and Angela Schmid have been indicted by a grand jury for the distribution of methamphetamine, possession of firearms by prohibited persons, as well as conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The Montrose Daily Press is your community news provider, published five days. We want to work jointly to eradicate the drug culture in the city and county of Montrose, Lillard said. The warrants are the result of controlled purchases of narcotics made in Wyoming County by the Troop P Vice/Narcotic Unit and District Attorney's Office, police said. The press release from the U.S. Attorney General's Office in Denver did not confirm if the person identified in Maestas's Facebook post indeed worked as an informant. On Thursday, the Pueblo Police Department announced two people were still wanted out of Pueblo in the case. This included material that identified at least one co-conspirator who Maestas alleged cooperated with police. Drug cells in Colorado were operating in the Denver area, including Adams County, and in Colorado Springs. document.write(year) Diana "Dee" Sandoval, aka "Diana Pacheco" and Ray Rodriguez, aka"Joker." Authorities announced a massive drug bust operation that was years in the making out of Colorado. A recent increase in drug overdose deaths in Colorado and across the country can be traced to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, according to authorities. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Lopez-Gomez would often transfer the funds through Dinero Rapido, a business located in Montrose, Colorado. Adan Carillo-Murillo, a 22-year-old man, was arrested and jailed at the Mesa County Detention Facility. This was a lengthy prosecution that involved 13 defendants. Please give us a call at 970-249-3444, Copyright In Denver alone, there were 350 drug overdose deaths between Jan. 1, 2020, and Nov. 30, said Deanne Reuter, special agent in charge with the DEA, at the news conference. Oct 1, 2009 Updated Dec 19, 2014. It (meth) not only impacts our community as a large part, but also impacts the entire Western Slope with this kind of volume coming in our area.. Montrose County spokeswoman Katie Yergensen also provided 7th Judicial District Drug Task Force numbers. Gene Lillard said Wednesday. In all, agents and officers from several. The criminal investigation was conducted by the Denver Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Montrose County Sheriff's Office, and the Montrose Police Department, along with. The investigation started in February of 2017 and resulted in the indictment and/or arrests of 65 people by the Colorado Attorney General's Office and by the Pueblo County district attorney. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. "They had the houses set up on timers. DENVER United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Angelina Maestas, of Montrose, Colorado, was sentenced yesterday to serve a total of 160 months (over 13 years) in federal prison for possession and distribution of methamphetamine and heroin as well as witness, victim or informant tampering. The PAYAN DTO has been identified as a DTO distributing heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Washington, and other states. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Duncan and Zachary Phillips handled the prosecution. Of the 13 defendants indicted in this case, 3, including Maestas, have pleaded guilty. The local task force is made up of police and Montrose County Sheriffs officers, plus an assistant. The cocaine was taken during a bust in the Target parking lot in Montrose. Lock Briceno-Quijanos drug trafficking involved at least 12 other people, many of whom are still pending sentencing. Authorities say they found. Montrose strikes drug traffickers again with 1.8m heroin bust 12 May 2022 Topic: Operational activity Storyline: 42 Commando The Royal Navy delivered its fourth blow to drug traffickers in the Middle East in as many months as HMS Montrose seized nearly 2m heroin. This address has come to our attention probably in the last three to six months (and) has become a huge burden on our resources, he said. This significant sentence demonstrates our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to keep offenders from dealing drugs on our streets.. The HIDTA Southern Colorado Drug Task-Force started the investigation and was made up of members from the Drug Enforcement Administration Colorado Springs Resident Office, Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo County Sheriffs Office, El Paso County Sheriffs Office, Colorado Springs Police Department, Teller County Sherriffs Office, Colorado State Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security. This impressive collaboration between law enforcement agencies is a true success story for making our entire community safer.. The marijuana plants could be harvested each month, thanks to the hydroponics equipment that accelerated their growth, police said. Seven additional defendants charged in Western, 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), Seven additional defendants charged in Western Slope drug ring bust, 64 people indicted in massive Colorado drug ring bust, Colorado attorney who smuggled drugs into jail for client suspended for 2 years, Another batch of fentanyl-tainted drugs being sold on the street, Boulder County Health warns, Greeley police shoot, kill man who allegedly shot at them; no officers injured, Missing Indigenous Person Alert canceled after teenage girl found safe, Missing Indigenous Person Alert created for woman last seen in Englewood. CENTER, Colo. (KKTV) - Authorities uncovered what were believed to be "operating drug distribution centers" in a small Colorado town. Denver, CO 80202, Tel: (303) 454-0100 The amount of drug trafficking that we are experiencing in the County of Montrose has been on the increase over the last decade. Published: Nov. 2, 2017 at 12:18 PM PDT. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. The lyrics below are translated from Spanish. The DEA supplied technology, manpower, and funding, working alongside the Sheriffs Office and Police Department. This is a full story that makes its debut in todays print edition. As of Wednesday, 40 of the 65 people charged have been arrested. "The distribution was probably nationwide.". Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. He has worked as a newspaper reporter in the Dallas area, El Paso, San Antonio and now in Houston with the Houston Chronicle. We started checking into this. Police said they watched the men for several months as they shuttled between the houses that had been turned into marijuana farms. Twelve defendants have been indicted on COCCA charges. The dangerous pills sell for about $25 on the streets. Maestas is 1 of 13 people indicted in January of 2020 as part of a large-scale drug trafficking investigation in Montrose. Some are calling one of the largest ever in Western Colorado. Keeler: Chris Paul got dirty. Court documents state that Briceno-Quijano was the leader of the operation due to his relationship to his underlings. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Close to $1 million has been seized as part of the investigation. In the past 20 years in Colorado, nearly 5,000 Coloradans died from a prescription opioid overdose, according to a news release. Each defendant faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in federal prison if convicted. Kieran Nicholson, who has been with The Denver Post since 1986, covers breaking news. She and a dozen others were indicted in January for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin in the area. Soon after being released on parole in 2019, Davis began distributing methamphetamine from his Montrose residence, along with his wife and co-defendant, Naomi Vaughn. An investigation into an alleged cocaine distribution ring in Rifle has led to the seizure of 1.4 pounds of cocaine, three firearms, and more than $39,000 in cash, a Friday Rifle Police Department news release states. DENVER, Colo. (KJCT) - A major ringleader in the Western Slope drug trafficking business has been sentenced to federal prison. Law. He began this criminal activity shortly after being released on parole in May 2019, after serving a portion of a 10 year state prison sentence for previous drug distribution.
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