Drugs, firearms and narcotics from an alleged drug trafficking organization.

TRIDENT: Multiple suspects arrested in drug trafficking organization

PRESS RELEASE
November 8, 2021

The Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began an investigation earlier this year into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) located in the City of Rifle/Garfield County area. Throughout the investigation, TRIDENT/DEA identified numerous people that were involved with the transporting and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms. On Nov. 4, 2021, TRIDENT/DEA along with the Threat Assessment Group (TAG), Garfield County All Hazards Response Team (AHRT), HSI, officers, deputies and investigators from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Rifle Police Department, Glenwood Springs Police Department and the Parachute Police Department, conducted numerous search and arrests warrants tied to this DTO.

Over the course of the investigation, TRIDENT/DEA seized approximately 8.43 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 13,846 Fentanyl pills, 3,814 Xanax bars, almost three-quarters of a pound of cocaine, 73.6 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 5.69 pounds of marijuana, 12 guns, in which at least two were reported stolen, and more than $45,000 in U.S. currency. The charges brought against these persons range from firearm offences, possession of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, which are felony charges.

It should be noted that there are still aspects of this investigation that are ongoing.

Listed below are those that have been arrested and tied to this investigation:

Brittany N. Ferpes (38 years of age)

Ruben Chavez III (28 years of age)

Christopher L. Richter (34 years of age)

Tyrell T. Portlock (49 years of age) (already in custody)

Brittany J N Echeverria (32 years of age)

Garrett D. Ford (34 years of age)
(multiple warrants)

Cody A. Smith (31 years of age)
(already in custody)

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