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Law enforcement in Colorado is sounding the alarm about drug cartels infiltrating the state, presenting a stark warning for America’s future.
At a Glance
- Authorities in multiple counties link cartel activities to perpetrators of Cuban or Mexican descent.
- DEA believes cartels are represented locally due to the profitability of illegal marijuana.
- DEA’s “Operation Cash Out” targets the cartels’ financial proceeds, specifically fentanyl trafficking.
Escalating Drug Cartel Presence
Colorado has become a battleground for drug cartels leveraging the state’s legalized marijuana industry to engrain themselves deeper into U.S. society. Law enforcement agencies have noted a disturbing link between the increase in illegal grow operations and cartel activity. Cartels are adapting, proliferating into new urban and rural communities, and exploiting economic sectors to further their malign influence.
Authorities in El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo counties have identified numerous individuals connected to Cuban and Mexican cartels involved in illicit activities. The situation is so severe that Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado Springs) and 4th Judicial District Attorney Dan May have publicly acknowledged the presence of cartels in the state.
Besides Aurora, CO became a victim of Venezuelan gang taking over apartment buildings their shopping area is epicenter of crime where business are shutting down, store owners and shoppers are afraid for their safety. pic.twitter.com/A7G30LxNyR
— Cartel Watch (@CartelWatchNet) August 31, 2024
DEA’s Perspective and Initiatives
Rocky Mountain DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge, David Olesky said. – “Both as a society, as law enforcement and outreach, we’re seeking partners in that financial world to help combat the cartels. The cartels are going to take advantage of every kind of opportunity to launder their money. For one thing, it’s greed. It’s to move money, making billions of dollars,”
These groups are reported to have diversified their operations, including fentanyl production and distribution, deeply imperiling public health and security. Fentanyl’s high profitability has exacerbated the issue as significant funds flow back to cartel headquarters in Mexico. The DEA’s operation “Cash Out” aims to impede this financial flow, targeting money laundering schemes utilized by cartels.
The chaos in Colorado with the Venezuelan gang takeover is a stark reminder of why we need strong borders and real security.
My SAFER at the Border Act will ensure DHS can’t parole migrants who are Known or Suspected Terrorists or Special Interest Aliens. It’s common sense—the… pic.twitter.com/XFCsc3pwZ3
— Congressman Nick Langworthy (@RepLangworthy) August 30, 2024
Impacts on Local Communities
Colorado communities are grappling with burgeoning crime linked to these drug networks. Interestingly, local law enforcement sometimes uses surnames and country of origin to identify cartel members, complicating efforts to dismantle these sophisticated organizations. Despite the challenges, the DEA continues its operations, having seized over 2.6 million fentanyl pills in 2023 alone. In response to this growing menace, state and local governments are channeling resources to fight the illicit trade more effectively.
National Implications
Colorado’s escalating cartel problem is a dire warning to the nation. As cartels continue to embed themselves into various states, leveraging lax immigration policies and porous borders, it is an urgent call to action for policymakers. It’s crucial that measures are adopted to stem this tide of crime, focusing on tighter regulatory oversight and international cooperation to undercut these criminal networks from thriving further.
The future safety and cohesion of our communities depend on timely, decisive actions to address these challenges. The message is clear: we must not allow these insidious influences to gain a greater foothold. Maintaining vigilance and robust countermeasures will be key in securing the country’s well-being against these burgeoning threats.