Garfield County investigation leads to major drug bust
Fentanyl and cocaine among drugs found in task force investigation
Ongoing Special Problems Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) investigations led to the seizure of various illegal drugs and firearms in Garfield County in August and September, according to a Tuesday Garfield County Sheriff’s Office news release.
The drugs seized during the investigation include the following:
- 3,026 fentanyl pills
- 1 gram of fentanyl powder
- 226.66 grams of methamphetamine
- 17.2 grams of crack cocaine
- 1.18 grams of cocaine
- 13 morphine pills
- 86 Xanax pills
- 3 hydrocodone pills
The efforts of SPEAR, a multi-jurisdictional task force based out of the Garfield County area, also resulted in the seizure of five firearms — one with no serial number — and two illegal sound suppressors.
Three men were identified as distributors of illegal drugs and firearms in the Battlement Mesa area and were arrested during the ongoing investigation: Christopher Vanvalkenburg, 44, Huley Mayer, 25, and Justin Raulerson, 39. Additional charges and arrests are expected.
Anyone with information on criminal activity is encouraged to call SPEAR at (970) 945-0453 or contact your local law enforcement agency.
