16 ARRESTED IN DENVER DRUG STING

The U.S. attorney's office announced the indictment of 21 people in
the Denver-area Friday on charges of distributing marijuana,
methamphetamine and cocaine throughout the United States. Sixteen of
the defendants have been arrested and five more are being sought,
said John W. Suthers, U.S. Attorney for Colorado.

The arrests followed an investigation that lasted more than 18 months.

The indictment handed down by a grand jury in Denver names Mario
Oregon-Cortez as the leader of the narcotics importation and
distribution organization. He was among those arrested.

The organization is alleged to be importing 30 kilograms of cocaine,
30 pounds methamphetamine and 200 pounds of marijuana per month.

FBI agent Deborah Strebel Pierce said the suspects were arrested at
businesses and homes in the Twin Cities, San Diego and Denver. All
were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine.

Pierce said the suspects are believed to be linked to Ramon Arellano
Felix, the alleged leader of Mexico's most powerful drug gang.

"Anytime you can take 21 people and make them face life imprisonment
and take $1 million worth of drugs a month off our streets, most of
it in Denver, it is a tremendous operation," Police Chief Gerald
Whitman said. "I tip my hat to them."