According to a news release from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the operation, led by the Special Problems Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) team in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal agencies, followed a 16-month investigation into a network allegedly run by Sindy Liliana Vazquez Martinez, 44, and Osbaldo Ramirez-Andrade, 24. Authorities say the two operated their drug enterprise out of a Glenwood Springs residence located less than 200 yards from Glenwood Springs Middle School and roughly 60 yards from school property.

Martinez and Ramirez-Andrade are accused of distributing methamphetamine and other narcotics across communities from Frisco to Rifle along the I-70 corridor.

The investigation began in January 2023 and culminated in a series of coordinated arrests and search warrants carried out between April 27–29, according to law enforcement. SPEAR, the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office took part in the operation.

Three suspects were arrested on outstanding felony warrants on April 27 and early morning of April 28. On April 29, an additional suspect was taken into custody, and simultaneous search warrants were executed at locations in Glenwood Springs and Rifle.

The operation led to the seizure of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, three ounces of cocaine, 9.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 220 fentanyl pills and one firearm.

Also arrested in the operation were Henry Trujillo Benites, 42; Julian Cruz Carrazco, 28; Jose Manuel Romo Gallegos, 39; Cordelia Suazo Reed, 60; and Juan Alberto Guevara-Regalado, 39.

Both Ramirez-Andrade and Benites have been repeatedly involved in the local criminal justice system, with consistent appearances at the Garfield County Courthouse tied to previous legal troubles, according to the news release.

Charges in the case include conspiracy to possess, distribute or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, classified as a Drug Felony 1. Several suspects face charges of possession with intent to distribute more than 112 grams of methamphetamine, unlawful distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and special offender enhancements. Additional charges include forgery, criminal possession of two or more blank financial transaction devices, and criminal possession of a financial device involving more than three items and two different accounts.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office was unable to confirm whether any of the individuals arrested are in the country illegally.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.