DENVER | Twenty-two people have been indicted on drug and money laundering charges following a more than year-long investigation by federal and local authorities in Denver.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and authorities at a news conference Thursday said the drug ring, allegedly led by a Northglenn, Colo., resident transported meth to Denver from California using tractor-trailers. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Barbra Roach said the ring then smuggled thousands of dollars in cash back to California and used bank accounts to transfer money. In one instance the cash was in a truck load of milk, and another case strapped to a teenager.
Twenty people were arrested Wednesday during raids in Denver, California, Utah and Iowa that also netted 6 pounds of methamphetamine, $715,000 in cash and property and a firearm. Two other suspects remain at large.
Authorities also seized two tractor-trailers and 2010 Camaro.
If convicted, the defendants face between 5 years to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer said the investigation was the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, one of 11 across the country that started in Denver in July. The task force is composed of federal agencies, the Colorado State Patrol and the Aurora, Denver and Lakewood police departments.
The investigation that led to the arrests had targeted the Armando Mendoza-Haro Drug Trafficking Organization, which has ties to Mexico, federal prosecutors said.