Three suspects have been arrested by Denver police after a lengthy and intricate investigation. The suspects are believed to have been involved in the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl pills, as well as other charges. The investigation was challenging and took several months to complete.
On May 1, FOX31 covered a case where multiple law enforcement agencies including the Denver Police Department, Aurora SWAT, Homeland Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration collaborated to execute a search warrant related to narcotics at a house in Aurora. The residence, located in the 1800 block of South Olathe Street, was searched, and investigators discovered a fentanyl pill-manufacturing operation.
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During the May 1 search warrant, law enforcement officers confiscated five pill-making presses, firearms, suspected fentanyl, and other narcotics. According to Denver police, the operation had the potential to produce approximately 20,000 pills every day, although the exact number of pills produced remains unknown.
During the execution of the search warrant, authorities discovered four adults and three children inside the residence. Notably, all of the children were four years old or younger. Police reports indicate that one of the children tested positive for fentanyl exposure after the search warrant was conducted.
2 arrested during search warrant now facing charges
In May, authorities apprehended two adults on grounds of outstanding warrants that were not directly related to the search warrant. However, both individuals are now facing numerous charges in connection to the alleged manufacturing of pills.
On July 2, authorities arrested Tashon Roberts, aged 33, who now faces multiple charges including:
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- Possession with intent: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Conspiracy, controlled substance: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Special offender: Conspiracy, pattern of sale
- Special offender: Source of income
- Special offender: Firearm
- Special offender: Fentanyl pill press
- Three counts of child abuse: Manufacturing controlled substance
- Child abuse: Serious bodily injury knowingly or recklessly
On June 20, authorities arrested 34-year-old Coleman Phillips on suspicion of:
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- Possession with intent: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Conspiracy, controlled substance: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Special offender: Source of income
- Special offender: Firearm
- Special offender: Fentanyl pill press
- Three counts of child abuse: Manufacturing controlled substance
- Child abuse: Serious bodily injury knowingly or recklessly
On July 2, Imani Hale, aged 28, was taken into custody on suspicion of:
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- Possession with intent: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Conspiracy, controlled substance: Fentanyl, more than 50 grams
- Special offender: Firearm
- Special offender: Fentanyl pill press
- Three counts of child abuse: Manufacturing controlled substance
- Child abuse: Serious bodily injury knowingly or recklessly
According to Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, his department will persistently pursue manufacturers and dealers of illegal drugs. He emphasized that the shutdown of the pill production facility has the potential to save countless lives within the community.
Last year, drug-related deaths in Denver amounted to 598, with fentanyl contributing to 389 of those fatalities, as disclosed by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.
