News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2006
Contact: Suzanne Halonen, S/A
Number: 303-705-7351

Routine Traffic Stop in Denver Yields 25 Kilograms of Cocaine
Street value of the cocaine is approximately $500,000

March 28 – Denver – Today, Jeffrey D. Sweetin, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), William J. Leone, United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, and Gerald R. Whitman, Chief of the Denver Police Department announced the arrests of Edwin R. Contreras and Daniel D. Fierro-Marquez and the seizure of 25 kilograms of cocaine from the Lincoln Continental they were driving after a routine traffic stop on Interstate 25 in Denver, Colorado. The cocaine is worth approximately one-half million dollars street value.

When Denver Police Officers from District 1 attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the Lincoln Continental for failure to adhere to traffic laws, the driver of the vehicle attempted to elude law enforcement. When the vehicle was eventually stopped at I-25 and Speer, Edwin R. Contreras, the driver, was arrested for attempting to elude a police officer. The passenger was detained pending further investigation of his involvement. The Lincoln Continental was searched incident to arrest prior to impounding by Denver Police officers. During the search, officers recovered two black duffle bags in the back seat of the vehicle. One duffle bag contained 13 “brick” shaped packages. The other duffle bag contained 12 “brick” shaped packages wrapped in plastic. DEA was called to the scene to assist in the investigation due to the large quantity of cocaine.

SAC Sweetin said, “This is yet another illustration that supports the theory that Denver is the major transshipment point for illegal drugs and proceeds trafficking in the western United States.” The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado will be handling prosecution of this case.
The charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. For further information, please contact Denver Field Division Public Information Officer Special Agent Suzanne Halonen at (303) 705-7351