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Smugglers In 'Operation Bloodsport' Hid Drugs In Vehicles

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - Ten people are under arrest and six more are wanted for their part in a large scale drug ring that worked to bring cocaine and methamphetamines into Colorado.

Some of the drugs were found hidden inside cars and SUVs with special compartments. One hiding place was the steering column, a second was where the passenger side airbag is and in one case a large amount of cash was found hidden near a bumper.

"Cocaine was being moved in to Colorado from California. Methamphetamine was being moved in to Colorado from Arizona," said Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey.

The drugs and cash were carefully concealed for transportation as the suspects made their way into the Denver metro area.

Some of those arrested were picked up at a Lakewood home. The property was searched for drugs but agents also found evidence of a possible cockfighting operation including 70 roosters.

In total, the bust -- which authorities are calling Operation Bloodsport -- netted $28,000 in cash and four guns, along with 13 pounds of methamphetamines and three kilos of cocaine.

"I would say that methamphetamine is a significant, probably one of our major issues as far as illegal drugs," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Barbra Roach.

Colorado is often a transportation hub for drugs with the intersection of major interstates near Denver, but agents say the final destination for these drugs was most likely within the state.

The cash value of the drugs that were seized was more than $100,000.

roosters from jeffco da
Some of the roosters that were confiscated (credit: Jefferson County District Attorney's Office)
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