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.