In the summer of 2023, the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF) began investigating an organized drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in northern Colorado and throughout the state. 

After months of intensive casework, NCDTF detectives identified a large regional network of suspects affiliated with international drug cartel operations. After filing charges, detectives conducted search warrants at 11 different homes and seized evidence associated with the case, including:

  • 8.5 pounds of fentanyl (21,000 pills, fentanyl powder, fentanyl designed to look like other substances)32 pounds of methamphetamine3 pounds of cocaine$42,000+ cash associated with drug distribution28 firearms (several classified as dangerous weapons or had serial numbers removed/altered)

“I am so proud of everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this investigation to a positive conclusion. Any reduction of Fentanyl that is coming into our communities has the potential to save a life,” said Lt. Mark Hertz, commander of the regional task force. “The NCDTF is committed to doing our job of supply reduction, as well as partnering with those who are working towards awareness, prevention and education in our local communities as it relates to the opioid crisis.”The following suspects were arrested in connection with this case:

Suspect & Bond DetailsChargesCarlos ReyesDOB 12/07/79$5,000,000 cash/surety bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) – 3 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 3 countsSpecial Offender – Controlled Substance (DF1) – 2 counts Colorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)Money Laundering (F3)Habitual Criminal – 2 counts Parole Violation
Oscar Astorga-GamezDOB 11/04/91$750,000 cash bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 2 countsSpecial Offender – Controlled Substance (DF1)Colorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)
Sandra Ramirez DOB 07/27/89$150,000 cash/surety*Booked in Denver County
  • Money Laundering (F3) – 2 countsColorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)
Juan Sandoval DOB 09/05/92$100,000 cash/surety bond
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) Distribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1)
Giovanni Castillo-Munoz DOB 02/17/02$50,000 cash/surety bond*Booked in Adams County 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) Special Offender – Controlled Substance (DF1) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 7-112g (DF2) Colorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)Counterfeit Controlled Substance (DF3)Money Laundering (F3) – 2 counts
Luis Ramirez-RangelDOB 05/02/01$500,000 cash/surety bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) – 6 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 5 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance  (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 7-112g (DF2) Counterfeit Controlled Substance (DF3) – 3 countsColorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)Money Laundering (F3) – 2 counts
Jose Torrez-OrdazDOB 07/09/1999$100,000 cash/surety bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1)Counterfeit Controlled Substance (DF3) Colorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)
Sarah McdougallDOB 01/05/1985$250,000 cash/surety bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 7-112g (DF2) Money Laundering (F3) 
Wendy DentonDOB 11/10/78$1,000,000 cash/surety bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) Distribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2) Colorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)
David RothDOB 03/20/75$1,000,000 cash/surety bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) – 3 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 2 countsVehicular Eluding (F5)Colorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)
Susan StevensonDOB 10/04/1962$500,000 cash/surety bond 
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) – 2 countsDistribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 2 countsMoney Laundering (F3) 
Carl BylsmaDOB 03/15/85$100,000 cash/surety bond
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2) Money Laundering (F3) 
Jae Lee DOB 11/29/85$500,000 cash/surety bond
  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2) 

 Photos are attached of suspects booked into the Larimer County Jail. Detectives are still looking for two suspects associated with this case:Lissbeth Juarez-Marquez (DOB 08/31/99)

  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1)

Jose Gil-Ochoa (DOB 03/16/92)

  • Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl >50g (DF1) – 13Distribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112g/+ (DF1) – 10Special Offender – Controlled Substance (DF1) Distribution of Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2) – 5Distribution of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 7-112g (DF2) – 3Counterfeit Controlled Substance (DF3) – 7Money Laundering (F3) – 2Colorado Organized Crime Control Act – Pattern of Racketeering (F2)

Anyone with information about their current location is asked to contact NCDTF at 970-416-2560 or https://www.nocodtf.com. Tips will remain anonymous if requested. This is an ongoing investigation with additional charges anticipated.“Operation Pin Drop is a perfect example of local and federal agencies working together to positively impact the region,” said the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge David Olesky. “While it might feel unnerving to know the Sinaloa Cartel has a presence here, Northern Coloradans can count on our Agents from the Fort Collins Post of Duty to continue working side by side with the Detectives from the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force to stem the cartel’s influence.”NCDTF would like to thank the local, county, state, and federal agencies who assisted with this investigation: 

  • Fort Collins Police ServicesLarimer County Sheriff’s OfficeLoveland Police Department8th Judicial DistrictGreeley Police DepartmentWeld County Sheriff’s OfficeBATTLE North Auto Theft Task ForceWindsor Police DepartmentNorth Metro Drug Task ForceWeld County Drug Task ForceThornton Police DepartmentCommerce City Police DepartmentWestminster Police DepartmentDenver Police DepartmentAdams County Sheriff’s OfficeFremont County Sheriff’s OfficeCanon City Police DepartmentColorado Bureau of InvestigationsDrug Enforcement AdministrationImmigration and Customs EnforcementColorado Department of RevenueColorado Parole Fugitive Apprehension UnitReeves County Sheriff’s Office (Texas)Federal Bureau of InvestigationBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

The charges are merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force works to protect the community by identifying, investigating, and impacting drug-related crime in Larimer County. Participating agencies who make this effort possible include Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Loveland Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado Adult Parole, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.