Montezuma County a Drug Distribution Center for Mexican Cartels?

You would think that Montezuma County's rural and isolated location in the four corners region would protect it from illegal drug trafficking by Mexican cartels. But local law enforcement officials say that's not the case at all. You're watching the Local News Network brought to you by True West Auto and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. Montezuma county's isolated location in the four corners is attracting a growing number of major drug distribution operations. As Mexican cartels shift their transportation routes from interstate highways for isolated secondary highways, like US highways 160, 550 and 491. During 2021, the Cortez Montezuma County narcotics team seized more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine, equal to about 24,000 hits. Nearly a thousand grams of heroin, nearly 107,000 illegally manufactured fentanyl pills, 96 pounds of prescription medications, more than $65,000 in cash, firearms, ammunition and explosives. During the past three years, 14 drug dealers have been sentenced to 76 years in prison. And since 2018, law enforcement agencies in Montezuma County have made 266 arrests for illegal possession and 52 arrests for distribution.

Cortez has been one of the main pipeline hubs now because of its remoteness and access to three different states.

Nowlin said the increase in drug trafficking has taken a toll on the community. According to data compiled by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Montezuma County reported 45 drug overdose deaths from 2010 to 2020. The county also reported more than 80 drug overdose cases in the five years spanning 2016 to 2020, 18 of those occurred in 2020.

These drugs and addictions, whether it's alcohol or drugs affects all walks of life. And it could be prominent people that you know, it could be your neighbor. It could be your own family members and, and, and it is, oftentimes it is and they need help.

In a community presentation last December, Nowlin said the narcotics team is continuing investigations into seven drug distribution cells in Montezuma County. In the meantime, he asked the public's assistance in apprehending drug dealers in the area.

When they see something or hear something, say something. And I'll tell you that has what has really helped us in our enforcement efforts because they're there. We're all in this together.

For links to more information and resource assistance for drug abuse and addiction, visit Montezumacounty.org and click on the behavioral health link. Thanks for watching this edition of the Local News Network. I'm Wendy Graham Settle.

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