Federal Drug Charges Unsealed against Six Individuals in Colorado Springs and Pueblo

DENVER -  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces federal drug charges against six individuals in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

According to Court records unsealed today, from January 30, 2023, to October 2023, investigators from multiple federal and state agencies conducted 9 separate undercover narcotics transactions, which resulted in seizing various amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.  On January  30, 2024, search warrants were executed for multiple locations, including a residence in Pueblo, Colorado.  During the search, investigators located more than 4 kilograms of heroin. 

Federal charges were unsealed today against five individuals for their alleged role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.  Three of these individuals made their initial appearance in federal court today and were identified as follows: 

• Alex LNU a/k/a Miguel Angel Gonzalez (formally identified as Alonso Quinonez-Velazquez),
• Fidel LNU (formally identified as Roberto Gutierrez), and
• Francisco LNU (formally identified as Luis Saucedo-Bonilla)

In addition, Adan Trevizo was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of a mixture of substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.

“Together with our law enforcement partners, we are removing dangerous drugs from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan.  “We are grateful for the continued dedication and hard work of our law enforcement partners who are protecting our communities from drug trafficking.”

“Yesterday’s enforcement actions involved over 150 members from Southern Colorado law enforcement agencies,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge David Olesky.  “Fentanyl is continuing to gravely impact Southern Colorado.  Collectively, Colorado law enforcement agencies are prioritizing investigative efforts to decrease the fentanyl supply and prevent fentanyl poisonings in our communities.”

“Yesterday’s operation truly shows how cooperation between partners at all levels, using pooled resources, is a force multiplier,” said HSI Denver Deputy Special Agent in Charge Jeff Brannigan. “I would especially like to highlight the relationship between our agents and those of the DEA in southern Colorado, without whom we wouldn’t have been able to execute this wide ranging and far-reaching operation.”

“My Office will work with our federal partners to protect the citizens of El Paso County.  The efforts of all involved with preventing illicit drugs from hitting our streets is nothing short of incredible,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal.

“This is just another great example of our local law enforcement working with our federal partners to combat illicit drugs in our community.  The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office is proud to have two task force detectives assigned to the DEA.  Even though this unit is not highly publicized, they are having a positive impact on this community in reducing the distribution of illegal drugs,” said Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero.

Two other individuals charged by indictment are fugitives.

This investigation is conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security Enforcement & Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S Marshals Service, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the Pueblo Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado State Patrol.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The charges in the indictment and complaint are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Case Numbers:  24-cr-32, 24-mj-18