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20 arrested in massive Northern Colorado drug bust

Investigators seized drugs and weapons in an investigation that stretched from Northern Colorado to metro Denver and across the Front Range.

LONGMONT, Colo. — Twenty people were arrested Monday in connection with what investigators are calling a criminal enterprise responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and prescription drugs.

The Longmont Police Department said the arrests stem from an investigation into Longmont resident Joshua Ward, who the Longmont Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and other law enforcement agencies said had been distributing drugs.

Longmont Police said law enforcement started looking into Ward in December 2018, and the investigation stretched into Northern Colorado, metro Denver and across the Front Range.

Police said over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized:

  • 1,472 Counterfeit 30 mg oxycodone hydrochloride pills (Fentanyl).
  • 3 pounds of methamphetamine.
  • 1.64 pounds of ephedrine.
  • 288 Schedule II synthetic opioid pills.
  • 18.7 grams of cocaine.
  • 6.7 grams of heroin.
  • 10 Benzodiazepine pills
  • Numerous rifles and handguns, as well as a shotgun.

Investigators said they have identified more than 50 people involved in the suspected drug trafficking organization. The suspects arrested in connection with the case so far are:

  1. Joshua Ward, 34
  2. Steven Lucero, 41
  3. Danita Bauer, 48
  4. Geraldine Vodicka, 45
  5.  Joshua Antony, 42
  6. Brandy Langenderfer, 40
  7. David Childers, 40
  8. Brenden Pesick, 28
  9. Connie Medina, 24
  10. Michael Reed, 44
  11. Amy Bracket, 44
  12. David Lopez, 37
  13. Jose Gutierrez-Herrera, 42
  14. Ashley Nail, 31
  15. Ramon Lurbe, 34
  16. Chad Lang, 50
  17. Collin Kopitzke, 29
  18. Michael Courtney, 44
  19. Anastacia Rose, 29
  20. Steven Johnston, 37

Those arrested face charges for drug trafficking, weapon offenses and organized crime offenses.

Longmont Police said more arrests are anticipated.

The Longmont Department of Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS), Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), and the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

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