North Metro task force dragnet targets 45 members of drug gangs linked to ... - The Denver Channel

WESTMINSTER, Colo. - SWAT officers arrested 29 suspects and seized drugs, guns and cash in the north metro area Thursday during a major takedown of a drug-trafficking prison gang that engaged street violence, shootouts with police, burglaries and auto thefts, authorities said.

"I think we put a huge dent in the trafficking of meth in Denver metro area today," said Adams County District Attorney Dave Young. "This was a very large and dangerous drug organization."

The raids were launched at 6 a.m. by an army of 300 narcotics agents and SWAT officers. Using K-9s, police hit homes in Westminster, Thornton, Brighton, Commerce City and Denver.

Officers arrested 29 of 45 wanted suspects. They also executed eight search warrants, seizing several pounds of methamphetamine, 10 guns and an estimated $80,000 in cash, authorities said.

It was the culmination of Operation Tattletale, a nine-month investigation by the North Metro Drug Task Force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Adams County District Attorney's Office.

Investigators identified a drug-trafficking ring operated by several members of Los Premieros Padres prison gang who were bringing large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into the north metro area, authorities said.

Using 15 wiretaps, investigators quietly monitored the gang's operations, making arrests and drug seizures along the way.  

The investigation led an Adams County grand jury to indict 45 suspects. The 230-count indictment includes charges of racketeering under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, conspiracy, drug possession and distribution, kidnapping, burglary, theft and aggravated motor vehicle theft.

Since the start of Operation Tattletale, officers have arrested 77 people, seized 20 guns, pounds of drugs and recovered 36 stolen vehicles.  

Authorities described brazen gang members -- often former prison inmates out on parole -- who preyed on the community and attacked police officers.

"There was a lot of street violence that occurred with this group," North Metro Drug Task Force Cmdr. Jerry Peters said at an afternoon news conference. "These individuals would prey on our citizens by going out and stealing their cars and swapping their cars for drugs." Gang members are also accused of burglarizing homes to fund their criminal enterprises.

Commerce City Police Chief Troy Smith said, "These people participated in police pursuits. They shot at officers and one of my detectives, who was seriously injured during the course of investigation. In fact, he's still out of work today."

"Our streets are safer tonight because this operation successfully took aim, investigated and will ultimately prosecute a violent criminal network plaguing the Denver metro area," said Barbra Roach, DEA Special Agent-In-Charge for the Denver Office.

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