20090824_embargoed Indictment Press Release

Embargoed until 11 a.m. MDT on Monday, Aug. 24 PRESS RELEASE Colorado Department of Law Attorney General John W. Suthers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 24, 2009 CONTACT Mike Saccone, Communications Director 303-866-5632

ATTORNEY GENERAL, ADAMS COUNTY DA, NORTH METRO TASK FORCE ANNOUNCE TAKE-DOWN OF 41-PERSON METHAMPHETAMINE RING DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, 17th Judicial District Attorney Don Quick and the North Metro Task Force announced today that they have dismantled a massive methamphetamine ring comprised of 41 suspects, including 19 suspected of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. The Statewide Grand Jury handed down the recently unsealed indictment last week. “The dismantling of this methamphetamine ring is a significant victory for the people of Colorado,” Suthers said. “Methamphetamine fuels a great deal of crime in Colorado, including roughly two-thirds of the identity thefts in the state. The efforts of the North Metro Task Force, my office, the Adams County District Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies should send a message that we will do whatever is necessary to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine in Colorado.” According to the indictment, the ring brought multiple-pound quantities of methamphetamine into Colorado every week to distribute throughout the Denver metro area. These quantities represent as much as 100,000 doses per month. The organization used a complex system to run the drugs throughout the city and collect drug money throughout the day. The North Metro Task Force led the investigation into the methamphetamine ring in collaboration from the West Metro Task Force and with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The suspects will be prosecuted in Adams County District Court by attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General and the Adams County District Attorney’s Office. “The public was well served by the cooperation among federal, state and local agencies. The success of the investigation was solely based on the use of combined resources. All involved should be commended.” Quick said. “Methamphetamine production and use continues to be a problem. But the arrests such as these make a significant impact on local distribution.” “These arrests will significantly reduce the amount of methamphetamine in the metro area by taking out this drug trafficking organization,” said Broomfield Police Chief Thomas C. Deland, who also serves as president of the North Metro Task Force’s governing board. “Our efforts in this case also will increase safety for all citizens by limiting the amount of methamphetamine available to those who use it and commit crimes to support this deadly habit.” The charges in the indictment are allegations. Each defendant should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.