An investigation by Colorado drug prosecution units ended in the arrest of 14 people. A total of 16 people are actually facing drug charges for an alleged illegal drug ring, but authorities have been unable to track down two individuals. Aside from drug-related charges, four individuals are also facing allegations of operating a criminal enterprise and racketeering.
Investigators from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, local police departments and the Front Range Drug Task Force believe that the supposed drug ring operated from Sept. 2015 to June 2016. It is not entirely clear how investigators first became aware of possible illegal activity. However, they were recently able to successfully execute a search warrant, the results of which apparently helped secure the arrests. In total, authorities claim that they seized tens of thousands of dollars in cash, prescription medications, cocaine and various weapons.
Current drug charges include allegations of possessing controlled substances, conspiracy and distributing controlled substances. The four individuals who are facing additional charges might be believed to have played a more involved role in the alleged criminal drug ring. Authorities have not made it clear whether the two individuals who have purportedly evaded arrest thus far are only facing drug charges or are some of those with additional charges.
Any type of criminal conviction can have a profound impact on a person’s future. Fighting drug charges can certainly seem like an overwhelming venture, especially with future employment and education opportunities on the line, but defendants in Colorado and elsewhere can take various approaches to minimize the potential consequences. One such approach involves the careful review of all charges and related evidence alongside one’s legal counsel, which can usually provide valuable insight into the best possible defense strategies.
Source: 9news.com, “16 charged in ‘major’ drug ring in Denver metro”, Bobbi Sheldon, June 15, 2016