Feds Bust Drug, Human Trafficking Ring In S. Colorado - Denver News Story - KMGH Denver

Feds Bust Drug, Human Trafficking Ring In S. Colorado - Denver News Story - KMGH Denver
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Feds Bust Drug, Human Trafficking Ring In S. Colorado

26 Indicted; Meth, Cocaine, $610,000 In Cash Recovered

By Lance Hernandez, 7NEWS Reporter
POSTED: 4:36 pm MDT April 20, 2011
UPDATED: 10:17 am MDT April 21, 2011

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A year long investigation by federal, state and local authorities has resulted in the breakup of a major drug ring funneling high-quality methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin into Colorado, authorities said.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh said the drug ring was also involved in human trafficking.
“This was truly an interstate conspiracy,” Walsh said. “The narcotics that we’re talking about we brought up from California through Las Vegas and Arizona and into southern Colorado.”

He said the drugs were destined for use in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent In Charge Dave Marwell said the human smuggling component of the ring moved people from the border into several parts of the U.S.
“Twelve illegals were arrested,” Marwell said.
“This was a sophisticated organization,” Walsh said. “They used sophisticated traps and hidden compartments, including an axle and a drive shaft to transport drugs.”
He said agents recovered several items during their investigation, including:
38 lbs of high grade methamphetamine
13 kilograms of cocaine
a small amount of heroin
$610,000 in cash
4 vehicles
1 handgun
“This (bust) is something that has a significant impact for our area,” said El Paso County District Attorney Dan May. “As you know, a lot of these drugs go right into our schools.”
“These types of arrests slow that pipeline and stop what’s going into the schools," May said.
Investigators said May’s office took the lead in the investigation, and then called for federal help once they discovered the scope of the operation.
Walsh said 15 of the 26 indicted have been arrested.
He said if convicted they could face 10 years to life in prison.