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Colombian Man Arrested During Marijuana Raids May Be Released

Hector Diaz (credit: Department of Justice)
Hector Diaz (credit: Department of Justice)

DENVER (CBS4) – A man from Colombia that was arrested during a series of marijuana raids could be released while awaiting trial on weapons charges.

Hector Diaz from Colombia was arrested at his home in Cherry Hills Village last week.

The 49-year-old had posed in a picture with two assault rifles and two handguns. Three months later federal agents raided his home breaking windows and doors.

Prosecutors told the court multiple assault weapons, handguns and rounds of ammunition were found.

An ambulance was called after an occupant had a gun and was tackled.

Prosecutors asked that Diaz be detained while awaiting trial because he posed a danger to the community. Diaz's attorney argued that the only thing his client had done was have his picture taken touching someone else's guns.

The raid was one of 16 last Thursday on marijuana related businesses, grow facilities and offices.

Sources indicated it's part of an investigation into possible ties between Colorado's legalized marijuana industry and a Colombian drug cartel that has been going on for at least a year.

Ten "target subjects" were identified in a search warrant obtained by CBS4. Although Diaz is not among them he is the only to be arrested so far by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Magistrate Judge Craig Shaffer sounded like he is inclined to let Diaz await trial while on bond wearing a GPS device. All will be back in court on Monday.

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