Denver, CO – Federal agents have announced the largest methamphetamine seizure in Colorado’s history, dismantling a trafficking network responsible for moving more than 1,000 pounds of meth across the state. The DEA, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado confirmed that 15 suspects have been indicted following a months-long investigation involving wiretaps, undercover work, and coordinated enforcement operations.
Scale of the Investigation and Initial Findings
Federal officials said the investigation relied heavily on advanced surveillance, extensive coordination across agencies, and sustained monitoring of suspected traffickers. Using federal wiretaps and undercover operations, agents traced shipments, intercepted couriers, and identified safe houses used for storing and converting drugs.
Authorities confirmed that throughout the investigation, they seized over 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine connected to the same organization. They emphasized that this volume of meth represented a major threat to communities across Colorado and surrounding states.
Key Seizures Across Multiple Colorado Cities
According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, the seizures unfolded over several months in 2024 and 2025, each revealing new layers of the trafficking network.
Major enforcement actions included:
- In December 2024, agents recovered 96 pounds of methamphetamine from a suspect traveling on a Greyhound bus in Vail.
- In February 2025, they intercepted 101 pounds of meth and half a kilogram of fentanyl powder during a highway stop.
- In April 2025, a dramatic seizure in Lakewood uncovered over 700 pounds of meth, along with freezers, propane tanks, and equipment consistent with meth conversion operations. Investigators found thousands of packages of meth hidden inside fruit containers, a smuggling tactic they said is becoming increasingly common.
- In August 2025, nearly 50 pounds of meth were seized from a residence in Arvada, further linking the operation to interstate distribution networks.
Statements from Federal Officials
Federal prosecutors described the takedown as a landmark moment in Colorado’s fight against drug trafficking.
“This successful investigation boasts the largest methamphetamine seizure in Colorado history and intercepted more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine before it could be distributed into our community,”
said U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly.
“This investigation showcases what we are able to accomplish when we combine the resources, tools, and expertise of federal agencies with the passion, experience, and sweat equity of local law enforcement officers.”
Charges Against the Defendants
The federal indictment names 15 defendants, including alleged traffickers and organizers:
Marco Antonio De Silva Lara, Sergio Ivan Arce Lopez, Juan Luis Cabrera Saucedo, Luis Enrique Lopez Lopez, Rigoberto Aranda, Erik Alejandro Benitez Chavez, Robert Shane Gerstner, Joseph Ricardo Menzor, William Joseph Rollins, Brittney Pierce, Francisco Javier Armenta Barraza, Jamie Cash Hoover, Cesar Andres Huizar Guerra, and Trenton Anthony Thompson.
Authorities confirmed that 11 suspects are already in federal custody, while four remain in Mexico.
One defendant is facing a “drug kingpin” charge, a designation reserved for high-level leaders of major trafficking organizations.
All defendants face serious federal drug charges, carrying a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Dangers of Methamphetamine Trafficking
Officials said this case underscores the increasing sophistication of drug operations in the United States. Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most widely trafficked and abused drugs in the region, contributing to rising overdose rates and violent crime.
Meth’s impact on communities includes:
- Increased hospitalizations due to overdose and long-term organ damage
- Higher rates of violent crime associated with trafficking groups
- Strain on local health and law enforcement resources
Public safety experts warn that the rise in large-scale meth operations often accompanies fentanyl distribution, which dramatically increases overdose risks.
Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking in Colorado
This historic bust reflects ongoing efforts by federal and local agencies to disrupt major drug pipelines operating across the Rocky Mountain region. Authorities said they will continue prioritising drug trafficking cases involving cross-border operations, violent networks, and substances like meth and fentanyl that pose dangerous threats to communities.
Investigators also highlighted the importance of public assistance, urging residents to report suspicious activities, as community tips often play a role in tracking drug shipments and uncovering trafficking routes.
Conclusion
The latest operation marks a significant victory for law enforcement, removing more than a half-ton of meth from circulation and bringing major suspects into custody. Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests or charges may follow as evidence continues to be analysed.
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