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The DEA wanted to make sure no one doubted the scope of its investigation and it pointed to the salary of the organization's leader as proof.
"$150,000 a month, that's pretty good money for a 22 year old," said Jeffrey Sweetin, Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Thursday, the DEA and the Denver District Attorney's Office announced a massive indictment of 38 individuals by a Denver Grand Jury. Authorities believe the people took part in a large-scale marijuana distribution organization.
"These aren't people going to a house saying, 'Yeah, let me buy a couple of joints so I can go to the rock concert,'" said Sweetin.
Denver DA Mitch Morrissey called this "the biggest indictment in the history of the Denver District Attorney's Office."
Investigators say Thanh Hau, 22, was the organization's leader. Hau faces 59 counts related to drug trafficking. They say he ran his operation out of his house just a few blocks east of Bible Park in southeast Denver.
Sweetin says the indictments signal an end of his operation. "This group is gone. It's wiped out," he said.
Sweetin says the organization sold high-potency marijuana, and he estimates the marijuana could sell on the street for $3,000 to $4,000 a pound.
By Thursday afternoon, 25 of the 38 who had been indicted had been arrested.
Investigators say the group operated in much the same fashion as a legitimate and rather large business. Except, Sweetin says, its members operated in the drug world and often times turned to crime to keep the operation going.
"When you find guns and bulletproof vests (you know) they're not collectors. They're not collectors of police memorabilia. These are people who are willing to kill people to protect their business," said Sweetin.
Not everyone is ready to jump on the DEA bandwagon however.
Mason Tvert runs the campaign to pass Amendment 44. The amendment would legalize the limited possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.
Tvert says he is skeptical over the timing of the announcement.
"(The DEA) is doing everything they can to scare the voters into voting against a measure they may otherwise want to vote for," he said.
Tvert maintains alcohol is far more dangerous than marijuana and says Coloradoans should be able to choose between the two.
Sweetin dismisses Tvert's argument. He says he feels a passage of Amendment 44 would lead to an increase of drug-trafficking operations like the one his office just helped bust.
Newshawk: 420AM&PM - 420 Magazine
Source: 9NEWS (CO)
Pubdate: October 20, 2006
Author: Chris Vanderveen
Copyright: Copyright by KUSA-TV, All Rights Reserved
Contact: patti.dennis@9news.com
Website: 9NEWS - Home Page
"$150,000 a month, that's pretty good money for a 22 year old," said Jeffrey Sweetin, Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Thursday, the DEA and the Denver District Attorney's Office announced a massive indictment of 38 individuals by a Denver Grand Jury. Authorities believe the people took part in a large-scale marijuana distribution organization.
"These aren't people going to a house saying, 'Yeah, let me buy a couple of joints so I can go to the rock concert,'" said Sweetin.
Denver DA Mitch Morrissey called this "the biggest indictment in the history of the Denver District Attorney's Office."
Investigators say Thanh Hau, 22, was the organization's leader. Hau faces 59 counts related to drug trafficking. They say he ran his operation out of his house just a few blocks east of Bible Park in southeast Denver.
Sweetin says the indictments signal an end of his operation. "This group is gone. It's wiped out," he said.
Sweetin says the organization sold high-potency marijuana, and he estimates the marijuana could sell on the street for $3,000 to $4,000 a pound.
By Thursday afternoon, 25 of the 38 who had been indicted had been arrested.
Investigators say the group operated in much the same fashion as a legitimate and rather large business. Except, Sweetin says, its members operated in the drug world and often times turned to crime to keep the operation going.
"When you find guns and bulletproof vests (you know) they're not collectors. They're not collectors of police memorabilia. These are people who are willing to kill people to protect their business," said Sweetin.
Not everyone is ready to jump on the DEA bandwagon however.
Mason Tvert runs the campaign to pass Amendment 44. The amendment would legalize the limited possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.
Tvert says he is skeptical over the timing of the announcement.
"(The DEA) is doing everything they can to scare the voters into voting against a measure they may otherwise want to vote for," he said.
Tvert maintains alcohol is far more dangerous than marijuana and says Coloradoans should be able to choose between the two.
Sweetin dismisses Tvert's argument. He says he feels a passage of Amendment 44 would lead to an increase of drug-trafficking operations like the one his office just helped bust.
Newshawk: 420AM&PM - 420 Magazine
Source: 9NEWS (CO)
Pubdate: October 20, 2006
Author: Chris Vanderveen
Copyright: Copyright by KUSA-TV, All Rights Reserved
Contact: patti.dennis@9news.com
Website: 9NEWS - Home Page
. I can smoke it all up though... LOL
