News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2007
Contact: SA Mike Turner, PIO
Number: 303-705-7446

Major Heroin Seizure Leads To Colorado Arrests
3 Arrested and 3.65 Pounds of Heroin, Cocaine, Weapons, and Cash Seized

DEC 14 -- Denver, Colorado - Jeffrey D. Sweetin, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced today the arrest of three men in connection with the seizure of more than three pounds of heroin that occurred near Raton, NM, on December 11, 2007.

On December 11, New Mexico State Police seized the heroin during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 25 near the Colorado state line. The heroin had been concealed in a vehicle driven by Ivan Bernal Atondo, 26, of Phoenix, AZ. New Mexico State Police contacted DEA in Denver for investigative assistance. On December 12, 2007, further investigation at Denver led agents to a residence located at 4741 Zuni Street, Denver. At the Zuni residence, agents arrested Javier Torres Zavaleta, 31, of Denver, CO, and Rosendo Soto Armenta, 26, also of Denver, CO. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of cocaine, two handguns and cash.

The investigation was referred to the office of the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado for prosecution.

Agencies that participated in this investigation include the DEA, New Mexico State Police, and the Denver Police Department.