T’Naus Nieto
The Chronicle-News

Authorities arrest and charge six people following the operation: Operation prompts La Junta Mayor to comment

On Aug. 30, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, CBI, announced that they had, alongside the La Junta Police Department, discovered around 143 grams of fentanyl, about 1,430 pills, following a search warrant at a La Junta house on Aug. 29, after receiving intelligence and leads linking the residence to criminal activity.

According to the CBI, they also uncovered six firearms, including an SKS battle rifle, a homemade semi-automatic short-barreled rifle with a homemade suppressor, which they said was prohibited under Colorado law, since they were unmarked and lacked serial numbers. They also found around 17 grams of methamphetamine and U.S. currency.

The operation resulted in the arrest of six people.

“This operation highlights the commitment of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the La Junta Police Department to address drug and firearms trafficking in our communities,” said Todd Quick, La Junta Police Chief. “The recovery of illegal weapons and dangerous narcotics reinforces the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts to safeguard the citizens of La Junta and the State of Colorado.”

The CBI also reported that the La Junta house, at 1314 San Juan Avenue, had “long been a source of community concern,” with repeated complaints involving suspected drug distribution and other criminal activity.

They said, “Intelligence gathered by law enforcement linked the residence to the possession and trafficking of stolen firearms.”

One person, Ezekiel Aguilar, 30, attempted to flee the house during the operation, according to CBI, but was later arrested in the backyard.

CBI also claimed that occupants initially refused to comply with their demands and had “barricaded” themselves in the house, but eventually exited the house after authorities deployed “less-than-lethal tactics.”

One person, Jaycob Butts, 30, attempted to hide in a closet and resisted arrest before authorities were able to apprehend him.

The six people CBI and LJPD arrested during the operation included:

Jordan Del Rio, 33, was charged with unlawful distribution, special offender, dangerous weapon, and obstruction.

Jeremy Del Rio, 28, was charged with unlawful distribution, special offender, dangerous weapon, obstruction and resisting arrest.

Additionally, authorities charged Jaycob Butts, 30, with obstruction and resisting arrest, Adrianna Smith, 33, with obstruction, Ezekiel Aguilar, 30, and Zachary James, 41, with outstanding arrest warrants.

Mayor for La Junta, Joseph Ayala, commented following the operation.

He said, “Big thanks to the CBI and La Junta Police who have been busy all year dealing with repeat offenders and taking illegal guns, fentanyl, meth, and dangerous individuals off our streets. They’ve done their part over and over now let’s hope the rest of the justice system does theirs so these cases are fully prosecuted and our community can finally get some relief.”