(COLORADO) — Four men have been arrested as part of a large fentanyl distribution ring bust, in addition to the seizure of several pounds of fentanyl, other illicit drugs, cash, and multiple cars.
According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a significant interstate investigation recently concluded on April 28, and resulted in the arrests of four men: 40-year-old Rafael Salazar-Amaya, 52-year-old Fernando Noriega-Alvarado, 31-year-old Celedonio Pulido-Romero, and an unnamed 24-year-old.
The CBI confirmed to our sister station KDVR in Denver that Rafael Salazar-Amaya is the brother of Heriberto Salazar-Amaya, who was arrested in Oregon following what U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the “largest fentanyl bust in our nation’s history.”
Through the execution of search warrants in the Denver Metro area, authorities seized approximately 41 pounds (800,000 pills) of fentanyl, along with fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, heroin, and approximately $60,000 in cash. Additionally, six cars were seized, and four undocumented people were arrested, including the main target, Rafael Salazar-Amaya. Additional arrests are pending, CBI said.
The CBI said the investigation originated in Cañon City in October 2024, in which CBI and DEA agents identified the initial targets. This led to the identification of related targets between Denver and Cañon City, and subsequently to individuals in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Mexico.
“The successful dismantlement of the Salazar-Amaya organization by CBI, DEA, and North Metro Task Force is a testament to what can be accomplished through inter-agency collaboration,” said Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division. “The investigation netted the seizure of over half a million fentanyl pills here in the Denver-Metro Area, directly impacting our community through the saving of lives. Colorado is undoubtedly safer as a result.”
All four suspects are currently being held at the Adams County Detention Center and face prosecution by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
