Operation Pin Drop: NCDTF dismantles drug trafficking organization
In the summer of 2023, the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF) began investigating an organized drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in northern Colorado and throughout the state.
After months of intensive casework, NCDTF detectives identified a large regional network of suspects affiliated with international drug cartel operations. After filing charges, detectives conducted search warrants at 11 different homes and seized evidence associated with the case, including:
- 8.5 pounds of fentanyl (21,000 pills, fentanyl powder, fentanyl designed to look like other substances)
- 32 pounds of methamphetamine
- 3 pounds of cocaine
- $42,000+ cash associated with drug distribution
- 28 firearms (several classified as dangerous weapons or had serial numbers removed/altered)
“I am so proud of everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this investigation to a positive conclusion. Any reduction of Fentanyl that is coming into our communities has the potential to save a life,” said Lt. Mark Hertz, commander of the regional task force. “The NCDTF is committed to doing our job of supply reduction, as well as partnering with those who are working towards awareness, prevention and education in our local communities as it relates to the opioid crisis.”
The following suspects were arrested in connection with this case:
| Suspect & Bond Details | Charges |
| Carlos Reyes DOB 12/07/79 $5,000,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Oscar Astorga-Gamez DOB 11/04/91 $750,000 cash bond |
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| Sandra Ramirez DOB 07/27/89 $150,000 cash/surety *Booked in Denver County |
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| Juan Sandoval DOB 09/05/92 $100,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Giovanni Castillo-Munoz DOB 02/17/02 $50,000 cash/surety bond *Booked in Adams County |
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| Luis Ramirez-Rangel DOB 05/02/01 $500,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Jose Torrez-Ordaz DOB 07/09/1999 $100,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Sarah Mcdougall DOB 01/05/1985 $250,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Wendy Denton DOB 11/10/78 $1,000,000 cash/surety bond |
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| David Roth DOB 03/20/75 $1,000,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Susan Stevenson DOB 10/04/1962 $500,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Carl Bylsma DOB 03/15/85 $100,000 cash/surety bond |
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| Jae Lee DOB 11/29/85 $500,000 cash/surety bond |
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Photos are attached of suspects booked into the Larimer County Jail. Detectives are still looking for two suspects associated with this case:
Lissbeth Juarez-Marquez (DOB 08/31/99)
- Distribution of Controlled Substance - Fentanyl >50g (DF1)
Jose Gil-Ochoa (DOB 03/16/92)
- Distribution of Controlled Substance - Fentanyl >50g (DF1) - 13
- Distribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) - 10
- Special Offender - Controlled Substance (DF1)
- Distribution of Controlled Substance - Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2) - 5
- Distribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 7-112g (DF2) - 3
- Counterfeit Controlled Substance (DF3) - 7
- Money Laundering (F3) - 2
- Colorado Organized Crime Control Act - Pattern of Racketeering (F2)
Anyone with information about their current location is asked to contact NCDTF at 970-416-2560 or https://www.nocodtf.com. Tips will remain anonymous if requested. This is an ongoing investigation with additional charges anticipated.
“Operation Pin Drop is a perfect example of local and federal agencies working together to positively impact the region,” said the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge David Olesky. “While it might feel unnerving to know the Sinaloa Cartel has a presence here, Northern Coloradans can count on our Agents from the Fort Collins Post of Duty to continue working side by side with the Detectives from the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force to stem the cartel’s influence.”
NCDTF would like to thank the local, county, state, and federal agencies who assisted with this investigation:
- Fort Collins Police Services
- Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
- Loveland Police Department
- 8th Judicial District
- Greeley Police Department
- Weld County Sheriff’s Office
- BATTLE North Auto Theft Task Force
- Windsor Police Department
- North Metro Drug Task Force
- Weld County Drug Task Force
- Thornton Police Department
- Commerce City Police Department
- Westminster Police Department
- Denver Police Department
- Adams County Sheriff’s Office
- Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
- Canon City Police Department
- Colorado Bureau of Investigations
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Colorado Department of Revenue
- Colorado Parole Fugitive Apprehension Unit
- Reeves County Sheriff's Office (Texas)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
The charges are merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force works to protect the community by identifying, investigating, and impacting drug-related crime in Larimer County. Participating agencies who make this effort possible include Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Loveland Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado Adult Parole, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
