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Massive Meth Bust In Colorado Involved Selling Out Of Taco Truck

DENVER (CBS4) – Authorities have made one of the largest-ever single methamphetamine busts in Colorado history.

The Colorado Attorney General's Office announced on Monday that 17 people were indicted by a grand jury for operating a network that sold meth in the Denver-metro area.

Operation Cargo Meth Bust 4 (taco trailer)
The taco stand used to distribute the meth (credit: Denver District Attorney's Office)

The sting was called "Operation Cargo."

"The 64-count indictment alleges charges that include violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy, money laundering, and tax evasion," the Attorney General's Office said in a statement.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, West Metro Drug Task Force, Adams County District Attorney's Office, Thornton Police Department and Denver Police Department assisted in the bust.

"After conducting five wiretaps over five weeks, 55 pounds of meth were taken off the streets," Attorney General John Suthers said. "The brazenness of this ring was astounding. For example, customers could literally walk up to a food truck and order a side of meth with their taco."

The following people have been named in the indictment:

Juan Carlos Gonzalez, 37
Monica Gonzalez, 54
Oscar Ruvalcaba, 29
Luz Gonzalez, 50
Maria Arellano a.k.a "Nena," 39
Patrick Shane Lorenzo, 35
Enrique Campos, 44
Jennifer Seipp, 31
Joe Baier, 57
Tina LeBlanc, 39
Frank Hardy, 56
Matthew Skipp a.k.a "Mateo," 52
James Michael Loeffler, 57
Jennifer Joy Ganje, 40
Jason Jacquez, 40
Danielle A. Ulibarri, 41
Hugo Macias Arevalo, 42

PHOTO GALLERY: Massive Meth Bust Mug Shots

According to the indictment, Juan Carlos Gonzalez was the leader of drug ring.

Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Juan Carlos Gonzalez (credit: Denver District Attorney's Office)

"Gonzalez coordinated with others to primarily import meth as well as cocaine from Mexico into California for delivery in Colorado."

The DEA and West Metro Drug Task Force seized 55 pounds of meth from a car driven by Oscar Ruvalcaba in August, making it one of the largest single meth busts ever in Colorado.

Maria Arellana aka Nena
Maria Arellana aka Nena (credit: Denver District Attorney's Office)

Maria Arellana is accused of selling the meth out of her taco trailer located at 8th Avenue and Federal Boulevard in Denver.

James Loeffler and Patrick Lorenzo
James Loeffler and Patrick Lorenzo (credit: Denver District Attorney's Office)

Operation Cargo
All those listed in the indictment are in custody except for James Loeffler and Patrick Lorenzo.

LINK: The Indictment

Additional Information From The Attorney General's Office

Any member of the public with information on the whereabouts of Lorenzo and Loeffler are asked to contact the DEA at 720-895-4139.

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