Federal Law Enforcement Operation Targets Underground Nightclub in Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In a significant federal enforcement action early Sunday morning, more than 300 law enforcement officers from at least ten federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FBI, gathered to execute a large-scale operation at an underground nightclub. The operation, which began around 3 a.m., was aimed at dismantling drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes associated with the illegal venue.
The DEA reported that over 100 individuals were detained during the operation, with more than a dozen active duty military service members among those present, either as patrons or working as security. The Army Criminal Investigation Division has been called to assist in the inquiry concerning these service members.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen indicated that the nightclub had ties to notorious gangs, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, known for their violent criminal activities. "Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer city this Sunday morning," he stated, emphasizing the operation’s impact.
The operation closed off several blocks surrounding the nightclub, with officers seen escorting handcuffed individuals from the scene. The DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division noted that a significant portion of those detained were in the U.S. illegally, and authorities seized drugs and weapons.
This operation is seen as part of a broader crackdown on crime in Colorado, with renewed enforcement efforts initiated under the current administration. Derek Maltz, the acting DEA administrator, described Colorado as "ground zero" for violent criminals, attributing vulnerabilities at the state level to their increased activities.
As the investigation continues, the DEA is working to address not just the immediate threats but also the underlying issues contributing to crime in the area. Further updates on this developing situation are anticipated.
