On Oct. 18, the Special Problem Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) Task Force recovered a large amount of Hydrocodone at the Bair Ranch Rest Area. 

The California resident associated with the rental car later found to be transporting the Hydrocodone was a subject in multiple United States Drug Enforcement Administration investigations involving pharmaceutical theft across several states, according to a Wednesday news release from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. 

After obtaining this information, SPEAR contacted the suspect and, citing probable cause, conducted a search of his rented vehicle at Bair Ranch Rest Area, exit 129 along Interstate 70, in Glenwood Canyon. Officials recovered around 28,500 Hydrocodone pills with an estimated street value of about $285,000, according to the release.

The suspect was released “due to the time involved in obtaining the search warrant,” the release states. A federal arrest warrant was later issued for the suspect, who remains at large. This is an active investigation. 

SPEAR combines the workforce of multiple agencies, including the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, United States Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, to assist local law enforcement with major crimes investigations. SPEAR partnered with DEA, DHS and Colorado State Patrol for this operation.