Four men were arrested by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on April 28 in connection with an interstate fentanyl distribution network.

The main target of the investigation, Rafael Salazar-Amaya, 40, faces 44 counts, including conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA), according to a news release from CBI. Also arrested were Fernando Noriega-Alvarado, 52, who faces 13 counts including COCCA and distribution of a controlled substance as well as Celedonio Pulido-Romero, 31, who faces 23 counts including COCCA and distribution of a controlled substance.

Another unnamed man, 24, was also arrested, the release says. He faces 7 counts including COCCA and distribution of a controlled substance.

While arresting the men, police seized approximately 800,000 pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, heroin and approximately $60,000 in cash, according to the release. Six vehicles were also seized as well as four undocumented individuals. 

“This was a meticulous operation that required interagency cooperation to take down a massive operation,” said Dan Volz, deputy director of investigations for CBI, in the release. “Every pill taken off the streets is one less potential overdose death.”

The initial investigation by police revealed that the network has ties in New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Mexico, and believed to be related to the Sinaloa Cartel, the release says. Police believe the network was involved in trafficking drugs in the Denver Metro area and into southern and northern Colorado.

“This case is a powerful reminder of the grave threat these drugs pose to public safety — and the extraordinary results we can achieve through relentless, coordinated action,” said 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason in the release. “We have charged four individuals in Adams County, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served and our communities are made safer.”

All four suspects are currently being held at the Adams County Detention Center and face prosecution by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.