DENVER (LAWFUEL) – The U.S. Department of Justice and the Metro Gang Task Force announced today that a federal grand jury in Denver has returned a 109 count indictment charging 27 members and associates of a Metro Denver street gang with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of Ecstasy (MDMA – 2, 4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine).
Today’s arrests are the culmination of a two and a half year investigation by the Metro Gang Task Force into the “Asian Pride” gang. This morning FBI and Metro Gang Task Force agents and officers arrested 23 of the 27 defendants without incident. Gang members and their associates are thought to have distributed hundreds of thousands of Ecstasy tablets in the Denver area. Over 10,000 MDMA tablets have been seized during the course of the investigation. Arrests in this case were also made this morning in Sacramento.
“Coloradans can take pride in Asian Pride’s demise,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Eid. “Thanks to the Metro Gang Task Force, we’re one step closer to freeing our community of MDMA – so called ‘Ecstasy.’” Eid noted that suppliers increasingly mix MDMA with methamphetamine to stretch supplies and boost their profit margins.
“Their greed knows no bounds, and so they will be dealt with accordingly,” Eid said. “We’ll keep fighting to clean up our state, one gang at a time. Today is Asian Pride’s day.”
“These arrests are the result of an extensive collaboration and co-operation between local, state and federal law enforcement in Colorado and California,” said FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge James Davis. “I am proud of our membership in the Metro Gang Task Force. This task force has been among the most successful in the country and continues to make a positive impact on the Metro Denver community.”
“The use and distribution of illegal drugs impacts the lives of all citizens because drug users and distributors commit burglaries, thefts, and auto thefts to support these activities,” said Broomfield Chief of Police Tom Deland. “The arrests today will significantly improve public safety in the metropolitan area by taking these individuals off the street.”
“This case is yet another example of exceptional coordination among federal, state, and local crime fighters,” commented Colorado Attorney General John Suthers. “These coordinated efforts are becoming increasingly commonplace, and are a tribute to the hard work of those in the law enforcement community.”
“The dismantling of this gang is another great example of local, state and federal law enforcement working together to protect our citizens from these predators,” said Rocky Mountain HIDTA Director Thomas J. Gorman.
The defendants face a variety of charges, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute MDMA. If convicted, depending on the charges, defendants face anywhere from not less than 5 years, and up to 40 years in federal prison, as well as a $2,000,000 fine.
This investigation and prosecution is part of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The case is designated as an OCDETF Regional Priority Case (RPOT).
This case was investigated by the Metro Gang Task Force. Members of the Metro Gang Task Force include: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Denver Police Department, the Aurora Police Department, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Thornton Police Department, the Rocky Mountain HIDTA, the Denver District Attorney’s Office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Colorado Department of Corrections, the Colorado State Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Colorado Air National Guard.
In addition to the full-time members of the Metro Gang Task Force, the following members assisted in the investigation and/or this morning’s arrests: the Arvada Police Department, the Broomfield Police Department, the Westminster Police Department, and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. The North Metro Drug Task Force, the West Metro Drug Task Force, and the Fugitive Location and Apprehension Group (FLAG) also provided assistance. U.S. Attorneys Offices in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles assisted with the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark Barrett is prosecuting this case.
These charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
