More than 10 pounds of black tar heroin was seized, and 24 people were arrested in Pueblo, after the Drug Enforcement Administration completed a nine-month investigation on Friday.
The investigation focused on a heroin trafficking organization lead by Juan Ramon Rocha Rodriquez, 40, of Pueblo, which was responsible for moving large amounts of heroin from southern California into Colorado, according to a news release from the DEA.
The heroin was distributed in Pueblo.
On Friday, agents found the heroin in a hidden compartment in a vehicle. Authorities also seized two handguns, 12 vehicles and $43,131 in cash.
Agents arrested Rodriguez and 23 others, including two juveniles. They all face various drug charges.
Authorities are still looking for five people related to the operation.
“What is disturbing to me about this case is the fact that the bulk of the seized heroin was to be sold in the Pueblo area – not destined for some major city,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Merrill said in a statement.
