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A dramatic early morning raid in Adams County, Colorado, has led to the arrest of dozens of individuals connected to the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA). Federal and local narcotics agents, including the DEA and ICE, executed a well-coordinated operation on Sunday that saw authorities seize illegal drugs, firearms, and cash from a makeshift nightclub located in a warehouse near Federal Boulevard.
According to the Denver Gazette, around 50 individuals were arrested during the operation, with 41 of them found to be living in the U.S. unlawfully, according to officials. Many of the suspects have been linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, which has made headlines in recent months for its expanding influence in Colorado. The gang is known for its involvement in a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. This particular raid comes as part of a larger, ongoing investigation that has seen the gang's presence in the state grow increasingly concerning.
DEA officials noted that the raid took place after a months-long investigation, and the warehouse was identified as a key location for gang activity. Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen emphasized the significance of the operation, stating that the DEA had been gathering intelligence on the gang's activities for quite some time. The targeted warehouse, which had been converted into a “makeshift nightclub,” was raided at approximately 5 a.m. and was found to be hosting an invite-only event attended by gang members and associates. The DEA seized a variety of illicit substances, including "pink cocaine" (also known as "tusi"), a dangerous mix of psychoactive drugs such as cocaine, ketamine, and methamphetamines.
Authorities also discovered weapons and large sums of cash during the raid, further underscoring the scale of the gang's operations. Investigators believe the event was advertised on social media and exclusive to those affiliated with Tren de Aragua. "You have a location where there is a ‘special event,’" Pullen explained. "You advertise it on social media, and then you're only inviting your crew, but then you're able to hype it up your way."
The raid is part of a broader federal and local crackdown on the gang’s growing influence in Colorado. Tren de Aragua has increasingly been tied to violent crimes across the metro area, with several incidents of kidnapping and extortion linked to the gang. Their criminal activities have reportedly extended to controlling multiple apartment complexes in Aurora, leading to public safety concerns and tensions with local authorities. In response, city officials have taken measures, including boarding up gang-controlled properties and shutting down apartment complexes associated with TdA.
As the investigation continues, federal officials are reiterating their commitment to fighting drug trafficking and criminal organizations. "DEA’s global mission is to keep the nation safe from the scourge of drug trafficking, and we will fight this battle every day on behalf of the people of Colorado and our country," concluded Pullen.
With the situation evolving, authorities remain focused on dismantling the gang’s network, sending a strong message that illegal activities linked to organized crime will not go unchecked in Colorado.
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