The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force seized multiple pounds of illegal drugs, weapons and cash while executing search warrants on Tuesday, Sept. 10 as a result of an eight-month-long investigation, named Operation Malverde.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 10 individuals in relation to their dismantling of a methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl drug trafficking organization, according to a Sept. 13 press release. Combined, the individuals face over 120 felony allegations.

LCSO said that “several suspects” remain at large, including Ismael Ivan Mojica-Garcia, a Sinaloa drug cartel cell head. Multiple active felony warrants are out for Mojica-Garcia’s arrest, and he also has a pending a deportation hearing.
He drives a blue 2010 Chevrolet Corvette with temporary Colorado license plate 1103924. LCSO has asked that any information on his whereabouts be reported to 911 immediately. Mojica-Garcia is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
In the press release, NCDTF Commander Joe Shellhammer attributed the success of Operation Malverde to the cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement. SWAT teams, drug task forces and city police departments all along the Front Range contributed to this operation.
“More than 10,000 labor hours have gone into Operation Malverde, and we still have important work to do,” Shellhammer said.
The 10 suspects apprehended thus far include:
- Howard John Trowbridge (05/12/1957) of Denver
- Lynne Francis Tenery (12/13/1972) of Campion
- Raymond Michael Gefroh (10/19/1965) of Fort Collins
- Bruce Wayne Iskowitsch (03/08/1962) of Loveland
- Matthew Xavier Lucero (12/20/1999) homeless in Fort Collins
- Arnet Emile Cotton (05/17/1969) of Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Jacob Rettenberger (07/26/1959) of Estes Park
- Karen Jean Latulip (09/26/1959) of Berthoud
- Natasha Jean Latulip (01/05/1983) of Loveland
- Michael Dean Gonser (02/28/1968) of Lakewood
Felony allegations these suspects face include:
- Colorado organized crime control act
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
- Distribution of controlled substances
- Money laundering
- Possession of a weapon by previous offender
- Special offender — distribute controlled substances while in possession of firearm
- Special offender — significant source of income and special skills
- Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
- Driving under influence of drugs
- Obstructing/resisting peace officer
- Violation of bail bond conditions
- Habitual criminal
- Possession of controlled substance
The items seized on Sept. 10 include:
- Methamphetamine: 37.85 pounds
- Heroin: 108 grams
- Marijuana: 5 pounds
- Prescription drugs oxycodone and fentanyl: 213 pills
- Mushrooms: 11 grams
- Cocaine: 6 grams
- Rifles/shotguns: 6
- Handguns: 6
- U.S. currency: $13,000
Serena Bettis can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @serenaroseb.