Illegal drug and firearms distribution arrests made in Battlement Mesa area

PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2023

SPEAR (Special Problems Enforcement and Response) has been busy since its last update to the residents of Garfield County. Not only does SPEAR continue to provide back up and support to the various law enforcement Agencies in Garfield County, during the months of August and September ongoing SPEAR Investigations led to the seizure of various illegal drugs including:

1) 3,026 Fentanyl pills
2) One gram of Fentanyl powder
3) 226.66 grams of methamphetamine
4) 17.2 grams of crack cocaine
5) 1.18 grams of cocaine
6) 13 Morphine pills
7) 86 Xanax pills
8) 3 Hydrocodone pills

The efforts of SPEAR also resulted in the seizure of five firearms, one with no serial number, and two illegal sound suppressors.

Three men, Christopher Vanvalkenburg, Huley Mayer, and Justin Raulerson were identified as distributors of illegal drugs and firearms in the Battlement Mesa area and were arrested during the ongoing investigation. Additional charges and arrests are expected.

SPEAR is committed to bringing to justice those who commit unlawful acts in Garfield County, particularly the distribution of illegal firearms and drugs. The perpetuation of gun violence and drug addiction that these actions cause cannot be tolerated in a peaceful community. SPEAR will continue to work hard to dismantle such operations for the sake of the residents of Garfield County and its neighbors.

SPEAR extends a special thank you to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle County GRANITE Task Force, The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their assistance in making this investigation a success.

SPEAR is a multi-jurisdictional task force based out of the Garfield County area. Anyone with information on criminal activity is encouraged to call SPEAR at (970) 945-0453 or contact your local law enforcement agency.