December 6, 2017–The execution of 3 search warrants this morning during early morning operations signaled the conclusion of a multi-year investigation into major narcotics trafficking activities in the region. Three Yuma County residents have been apprehended this morning, and one more is currently being sought. In partnership with the Colorado Springs Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Task Force, the investigation uncovered a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms directly from Mexico via the Sinaloa Drug Cartel throughout northeast Colorado and Colorado Springs. The investigation, and subsequent arrests, were coordinated among several law enforcement agencies in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
The individual apprehended during the morning hours was 30 year-old Jose Arnoldo Rascon aka “NoNo” of Yuma. Later in the afternoon 45 year old Nicolas Arturo Vega-Rico aka “Charro,” and 23 year old Daniel Rascon aka “Meno,” both from Eckley, were taken into custody in the Denver Metro area. All of the subjects have been charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA), a criminal statute in the state of Colorado intended to assist in the eradication of organized crime in the state.
The Sheriff’s Office is still seeking to apprehend Daniel Brianth Duarte-Mendez of Yuma. Anyone with information about Duarte’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 970-332-4805; you can remain anonymous.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies for investigative assistance in this case; the Kit Carson County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Springs DEA Task Force, and the Nebraska CODE Drug Task Force. The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the following agencies for their assistance during the arrests; the Morgan County Combined SWAT Team, Yuma Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Sterling Police Department, Fountain Police Department, WY Communications, and Yuma EMS.