AURORA, Colo. -- 80 suspected gang members were arrested in a series of early-morning raids Thursday in what’s being called “the largest mass drug arrest in Colorado history.â€
"Make no mistake, Colorado is a safer place this afternoon," said U.S. Attorney John Walsh at a multi-agency joint news conference.
Walsh said the raids were the culmination of a year-long investigation into drug trafficking, armed bank robberies and other crimes. A total of 97 defendants face charges. All but 17 were in custody Thursday.
“They have troubled our streets too long,†said Walsh.
No one was injured during the raids, which were carried out by agents from as many as 50 local, state and federal agencies.
Officers seized 26,129 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of crack cocaine, one pound of methamphetamine, several weapons and $415,000 in cash.
Much of the drugs originated in Mexico, officials said.
“This operation sends a very clear message to those bringing drugs into Colorado...your day will come,†Walsh said.
"Make no mistake, Colorado is a safer place this afternoon," said U.S. Attorney John Walsh at a multi-agency joint news conference.
Walsh said the raids were the culmination of a year-long investigation into drug trafficking, armed bank robberies and other crimes. A total of 97 defendants face charges. All but 17 were in custody Thursday.
“They have troubled our streets too long,†said Walsh.
No one was injured during the raids, which were carried out by agents from as many as 50 local, state and federal agencies.
Officers seized 26,129 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of crack cocaine, one pound of methamphetamine, several weapons and $415,000 in cash.
Much of the drugs originated in Mexico, officials said.
“This operation sends a very clear message to those bringing drugs into Colorado...your day will come,†Walsh said.