Authorities in southwest Colorado say a long-term investigation into an international narcotics ring has led to the arrest of three people and the seizure of methamphetamine and heroin worth more than $1.2 million.
Salvador Anguiano-Estrada, Stacy Lutz and Raquel Salazar, all of Casa Grande, Ariz., were arrested in Durango last week by authorities for their role in the alleged enterprise.
The probe into the ring, called “Operation Bad Mule,” began in April 2015 and targeted a drug organization authorities say was operating in La Plata County.
Police say Anguiano-Estrada led the group and moved drugs up from Mexico to be distributed throughout the southwest corner of the state.
Officials in a news release Wednesday said they seized 10 pounds of methamphetamine, 7 pounds of heroin and 2.3 ounces of cocaine. They also took $5,100 in cash and two automobiles.
The case was investigated by the Southwest Drug Task Force, which includes federal and local police.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
