An alleged drug trafficking ring that was distributing drugs, through mail, to inmates in the Larimer County Jail has been busted, authorities said.
On Friday, the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF) and Larimer County Jail deputies “dismantled” the gang, arresting 12 suspects on felony and misdemeanor warrants including jail inmates and outside defendants suspected of mailing drugs.
At the end of 2021, staff discovered an increase in drugs at the jail “that were not being detected by usual methods,” a sheriff’s office news release said.
An investigation revealed “suspicious activity” on an inmate’s incoming mail, phone calls and text messages on the inmate’s computer tablet. Phone calls and text messages allegedly contained coded language about how the drugs would be sent, and how inmates would pay the alleged suppliers.
In March, an investigating deputy “intercepted a letter mailed to an inmate and the paper tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.” Jail staff contacted the drug task force and the agencies began a joint investigation.
Fentanyl, methamphetamine and drug used to treat opioid dependence were found in mail sent to several inmates, the release said.
Clandestine ways of mailing the drugs included:
- Paper soaked in drugs
- Drugs infused into the ink on paper
- Drugs hidden in the seams of commercial envelopes
As part of the investigation, detectives obtained search warrants for a residence in the 400 block of East 57th Street, Loveland, according to the release. The warrant was carried out on Friday and it resulted in arrests and seizures. Deputies searched the cells of suspected inmates and found additional contraband.
“I believe the result of this investigation and the new charges incurred by those involved will deter future attempts to traffic narcotics in the jail,” said Captain Bobby Moll, jail division commander, in the release.
There are more suspects wanted on outstanding warrants yet to be arrested, the sheriff’s office said. An investigation is ongoing.
As of Wednesday, all personal inmate mail including letters, pictures, and drawings will be digitally scanned and delivered to inmates via tablets.
