Large-scale cocaine trafficking investigation leads to the arrest of 31 individuals

BRIGHTON, Colo. (KRDO)-- A large-scale cocaine trafficking investigation in Adams County has now led to the indictment of 31 individuals who are now facing several charges. 

According to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, in May of 2021, the North Metro Task Force–a multi-jurisdictional entity that investigates illicit drug activity in Adams County–began an investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking between Juarez, Mexico and Adams County through a man named Martin Mena-Flores (pictured below), his brother Gustavo Mena-Flores, and a number of their associates. 

That investigation was known as ‘Operation Full Circle.’

The effort continued in October 2021, when the North Metro Task Force partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to investigate local cocaine trafficking in Adams County. 

According to the District Attorney’s Office, through the course of the investigation, North Metro and the DEA connected the alleged drug operation to Gustavo Mena-Flores, who was in Juarez, Mexico, and Martin Mena-Flores who was in Adams County. 

In February 2023, the North Metro Task Force and the DEA learned that the alleged Mena-Flores criminal enterprise had been distributing cocaine in the Adams County area for approximately 15 years while avoiding law enforcement detection. 

As a result of 'Operation Full Circle,' 31 defendants were indicted, 14,600 grams (approximately 32 pounds) of cocaine, 4 firearms, 15 vehicles, 5 residences, and $283,514 of cash were seized. 

The operation lasted approximately 18 months and was split into two phases. The alleged activities occurred within Adams County, primarily the City of Brighton.

This large-scale grand jury indictment is the direct result of the dedication, hard work, and partnership between the District Attorney’s Office's Drug Trafficking Unit, the North Metro Task Force, and the DEA. By working in collaboration with one another, we are disrupting drug operators who are dealing significant quantities of illegal narcotics into our community. This partnership and the indictment should send one important signal to all who are dealing this poison in our community: we’re going to take you down.

District Attorney Brian Mason