DENVER, CO — Federal investigators say a multi-state cocaine trafficking investigation led to the arrests of 14 people in Colorado and South Dakota and turned up guns, cash and cocaine. Authorities said the case involved roughly five kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution, along with 37 guns and more than $61,000.
The arrests were announced after what investigators called Operation Black Boot. Three people were taken into custody in Colorado on June 16, and 11 more were arrested in South Dakota on July 21.
Colorado Arrests and Seizures
The first arrests happened in Colorado, where agents with the FBI offices in Denver and South Dakota arrested three people, according to the agency. Those arrested were Wuttichai Chankaeo, 32, of Commerce City; Joseph Valdez, 49, of Westminster; and Amber Bravo, 42, of Westminster.
During searches of Colorado properties that day, investigators said they found 17 guns. The federal investigation was focused on a suspected trafficking network that authorities say crossed state lines.
South Dakota Cases
Eleven additional people were arrested more than a month later in South Dakota. Authorities said the defendants are from Box Elder, Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Reservation, and range in age from 23 to 38.
All 14 people face federal drug distribution charges, according to the South Dakota FBI office. Officials said more charges could still be filed involving alleged financial crimes and firearms offenses.
Task Force Investigation
Operation Black Boot was led by the FBI Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, with help from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, South Dakota National Guard Counter Drug Unit, South Dakota Highway Patrol and Rapid City Police Department also assisted.
Public court records released so far do not include more details about the underlying investigation. The FBI said the operation was part of Operation Take Back America.
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