5 indicted in Pueblo drug ring bust that netted $8 million worth of heroin

PUEBLO, Colo. – Law enforcement authorities announced Thursday they had busted a drug ring in Pueblo that was distributing millions of dollars in drugs from two homes and a business in the southern Colorado city.

Five people have been indicted on federal drug charges related to the case, and four of them also face federal firearms violations. All five men are already in custody.

According to the Pueblo Police Department, the investigation started last December and was focused on several gangs operating in Pueblo and the surrounding area.

Two Pueblo homes and “Get Your Fix Automotive” were targeted with search warrants after months of investigating. Between the three locations, authorities said they found 28 kilograms of heroin; 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine; 50 grams of cocaine; 35 firearms, including an automatic weapon and several that were stolen, and $540,000 in cash.

One of the men arrested, 30-year-old Daniel Vasquez, was indicted in early September on his charges. The federal criminal complaint for his arrest said undercover agents bought more than 100 grams of heroin and a weapon at Get Your Fix Automotive, where Vasquez worked, earlier this year.

The others who face heroin possession with intent to distribute charges are Roger Bujanda, Jesus Mercado Valdez, Gage Rael and Leonard Aragon – all of Pueblo. All of them, aside from Aragon, also face felon in possession of a firearm charges.

Police say the heroin is worth $8 million. The department said one house had more than $300,000 in cash inside, and had weapons hidden throughout. They said the heroin was being distributed in Pueblo.

“This series of cases reflects forensic partnership policing at its best,” Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer said in a statement. “Dangerous individuals and their poison and weaponry are now gone. With minimal disruption, Pueblo is a safer place.”