Federal authorities announced the arrests of 15 people Wednesday morning after a 14-month investigation into drug trafficking in southern Colorado, including the sale of highly potent methamphetamine.
The defendants, arrested April 14 and 15, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and other drugs.
One defendant, Lucio Vazquez, 33, of Calhan is named in four separate indictments.
Agents are still looking for three defendants who are fugitives and the state is prosecuting another 10 individuals. In all, 36 people are believed to be involved in the drug organization.
During the investigation, agents found 38 pounds of methamphetamine — most of it 99 percent pure. They also found 13 kilos of cocaine, 4 ounces of heroin, $506,500 and other assets.
