May 7, 2025 – CBI – Adams County, CO – A significant interstate drug investigation concluded on April 28, 2025, with the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of approximately 800,000 fentanyl pills, along with fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, heroin, and approximately $60,000 in cash. Special Agents with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the North Metro Drug Task Force (NMTF) executed two residential search warrants in the Denver Metro area as part of the operation.
The main target of the investigation, Rafael Salazar-Amaya, 40, faces 44 counts, including violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA), conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and special offender charges.
Also arrested were:
- Fernando Noriega-Alvarado, 52, who faces 13 counts including COCCA, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and special offender charges.
- Celedonio Pulido-Romero, 31, who faces 23 counts including COCCA, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and special offender charges.
- An unnamed male, 24, who faces 7 counts including COCCA, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and distribution of a controlled substance.
During the execution of the search warrants on April 28, 2025, authorities seized approximately 41 pounds of fentanyl pills, along with fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, and heroin. Additionally, six vehicles were seized, and four undocumented persons were arrested, including the main target, Rafael Salazar-Amaya. Additional arrests are pending.
The investigation revealed that the drug trafficking organization (DTO) has ties in New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and the country of Mexico, and was involved in trafficking drugs in the Denver Metro area and into southern and northern Colorado. The DTO is believed to be related to the Sinaloa Cartel.
The investigation originated in Canon City, Colorado, in October 2024, where CBI and DEA agents identified the initial targets. This led to the identification of related targets between Denver and Canon City, and subsequently to individuals in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Mexico.
“This was a meticulous operation that required interagency cooperation to take down a massive operation,” said Dan Volz, Deputy Director of Investigations for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. “Every pill taken off the streets is one less potential overdose death.”
“We got the bad guys and took the poison off our streets. I thank the CBI and the agents who worked to get these dangerous drugs out of Colorado’s communities. We want to make Colorado safer for everyone and this is a step in the right direction. It’s collaborative efforts like this that make Colorado safer," said Governor Jared Polis.
“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.”
“This case is a powerful reminder of the grave threat these drugs pose to public safety—and the extraordinary results we can achieve through relentless, coordinated action,” said 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason. “This operation would not have been successful without the outstanding collaboration between the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the DEA, the North Metro Task Force, and my office. Our teamwork was essential in dismantling this alleged drug operation. We have charged four individuals in Adams County, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served and our communities are made safer.”
All four suspects are currently being held at the Adams County Detention Center and face prosecution by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
(Below-Drugs Confiscated During Search Warrant Execution: Courtesy: CBI)
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