Metro Gang Task Force Arrests Drug Trafficking Suspects

DENVER (CBS4)- The Metro Gang Task Force arrested nearly three dozen people for drug trafficking crimes on Thursday. Some of those are facing charges related to transporting meth in a liquid form that resembles windshield washer fluid.

Five of the 33 indicted were already in custody on unrelated charges. Three are fugitives.

Some of those indicted were related to cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking crimes. Many of those charged are affiliated with a local violent street gang.

The remaining were charged were knowingly and intentionally distributing and possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

The others were charged with distributing methamphetamine. The meth that was confiscated was 90 percent pure. It came from Mexico to Colorado through California.

Some of the meth was sent in a liquid form which was then crystallized when it arrived it Denver. Investigators said this is a new way of smuggling methamphetamine into the state.

"They were dissolving the crystal methamphetamine, transporting it into containers to thwart law enforcement detection, and crystallizing that methamphetamine for further distribution once here in Colorado," said FBI Asst. Special Agent In Charge Mike Rankin.

The suspects face sentences of 10 years to life in prison and millions of dollars in fines.