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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Colorado with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in Colorado, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.
In a significant operation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the seizure of nearly 670,000 fake fentanyl pills in Colorado and New Mexico. The bust, made public on November 25, 2024, sheds light on the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis that has gripped much of the nation, with fentanyl continuing to be a major threat.
According to the KRDO news site, the investigation began with a tip from a concerned citizen in New Mexico, which led authorities to Colorado Springs. There, the DEA apprehended a man accused of trafficking an astounding 340,000 fentanyl pills. This discovery was part of a larger operation, which also involved the seizure of 330,000 pills in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The tip came after two men were spotted traveling by bus to Denver, acting suspiciously. One of the men grew visibly nervous and fled, leaving behind two large suitcases. The Albuquerque Police Department responded promptly to the abandoned bags, finding the hidden stash of fake pills, along with two ounces of heroin. Meanwhile, the second man continued his journey to Denver, unaware that authorities were closing in. The Colorado Springs Police Department was alerted and managed to locate the man, ultimately seizing his luggage, which contained the remaining 340,000 fentanyl pills, along with several thousand dollars in cash.
The scale of this operation is staggering. DEA officials pointed out that the quantity of fentanyl pills seized is nearly enough to provide every resident in Denver with a fake pill. Jonathan Pullen, the DEA’s Special Agent in Charge of the Rocky Mountain Field Division, remarked on the enormity of the bust, noting that this one seizure alone accounted for approximately 25% of all fake pill seizures in Colorado last year.
The seizure is a reminder of the alarming growth in the availability of counterfeit drugs, especially fentanyl, which is often mixed into illicit pills disguised as legitimate prescription medications. Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, and even a small amount can be lethal. The DEA’s success in disrupting this large-scale trafficking operation is a crucial step in preventing further tragedies in communities across the region. The ongoing vigilance of law enforcement, coupled with the public’s willingness to report suspicious activities, plays an integral role in combating the fentanyl crisis.
This operation highlights the necessity of continued efforts to prevent the flow of illegal drugs into communities. It also serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit drugs, and the devastating impact they have on individuals and families across the country.
If you or your loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. Our staff are experts in addiction recovery and they will help you reach sobriety with dignity and respect. No one is beyond hope. Contact us today to begin your journey to the sober future of your dreams.