Noco Drug Task Force seizes more than 40 pounds of drugs with arrests

The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force has arrested 13 people and seized more than 40 pounds of drugs following months of investigation into a drug-trafficking organization.

In the summer of 2023, the task force began investigating an organized drug-trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl, meth and cocaine in Northern Colorado and throughout the state, according to a Tuesday release.

After months of “intensive casework,” task force detectives identified a “large regional network of suspects affiliated with international drug cartel operations” in what they called Operation Pin Drop, according to the release. In mid-february detectives arrested 13 people, most of whom live in Denver or Commerce City, according to Kate Kimble with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office; bonds for the suspects ranged from $50,000 to $5 million.

Investigators are still searching for two additional people.

Detectives conducted search warrants at 11 homes along the Front Range and seized evidence associated with the case. This included 8.5 pounds of fentanyl — including 21,000 pills, fentanyl powder and fentanyl designed to look like other substances — 32 pounds of meth, 3 pounds of cocaine, more than $42,000 in cash associated with drug distribution and 28 firearms, several classified as dangerous weapons or with serial numbers removed or altered.

The task force was helped by 25 agencies ranging from local police departments to national investigation agencies. This included the Loveland Police Department, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Weld County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and more, according to the release.

“I am so proud of everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this investigation to a positive conclusion,” said Lt. Mark Hertz, commander of the regional task force,

in the release. “Any reduction of fentanyl that is coming into our communities has the potential to save a life. The NCDTF is committed to doing our job of supply reduction, as well as partnering with those who are working towards awareness, prevention and education in our local communities as it relates to the opioid crisis.”