News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2007
Contact: Mike Turner
Special Agent
Number: 303-705-7446

Large Heroin Seizure Made Near Grand Junction, Colorado
Heroin Concealed in Spare Tire, Two Mexican Nationals Arrested

FEB 15 -- (GRAND JUNCTION, CO) Jeffrey D. Sweetin, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Mark V. Trostel, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), announced the February 14th arrests of two individuals and seizure of almost four pounds of heroin. The arrests and seizure were made as a result of a traffic stop by the CSP that occurred on Interstate 70 near Grand Junction, Colorado in Mesa County.

According to SAC Sweetin, the heroin was contained in three separate bundles and was concealed in the spare tire of the sport utility vehicle occupied by Luis Fernando Ornelas-Trevino and Jorge Gonzalez-Esqueda. Both men were carrying identification which indicated they were from Mexico. DEA agents assisting in the investigation estimate the heroin’s street value to be in excess of $100,000.

“The heroin seized in this investigation was destined to be sold on the streets of Denver,” said SAC Sweetin. “DEA will continue to do the job expected of us - to protect the citizens of Colorado from the harmful substances drug dealers like these are profiting from.”

"Criminal interdiction on Colorado's roadways lowers crime rates in communities by interceding in criminal activity, apprehending fugitives, and interrupting the flow of illegal contraband," said Chief Trostel.

Ornelas-Trevino and Gonzalez-Esqueda remain in custody pending the filing of federal and state drug charges.

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