Over 180 pounds of methamphetamine, 37,000 fentanyl pills seized after months-long CSPD investigation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says two suspects have been taken into custody after a months-long investigation into an alleged narcotics drug trafficking organization.

CSPD says its metro narcotics team finished a five-month-long investigation on Thursday into an alleged drug trafficking organization, during which they identified six people who were allegedly
"operating and conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine."

CSPD says, with the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Rocky Mountain Field Division, four search warrants were served across El Paso County.

Those search warrants ended with CSPD seizing around 188 pounds of methamphetamine, around 37,000 fentanyl pills, two pistols, one rifle, and a large amount of cash estimated to be around $40,000, according to officials.

CSPD says one suspect was taken into custody in Colorado Springs and another was taken into custody by a drug task force in New Mexico, which included New Mexico State Police, the Santa Fe Police Department and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

According to officials, 36-year-old Fernando Briceno was arrested as part of the investigation and charged with five level one drug felonies for unlawfully distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and one count of special offender.

Another suspect, 41-year-old German Diaz Diaz, was taken into custody in New Mexico and charged with one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and one count of special offender.

CSPD says the investigation remains active, and anyone with information is asked to call CSPD at 719-444-7000 or, to remain anonymous, call Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.

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