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Drug crime sting earns reward for task force

15-month probe brings 15 arrests

The Southwest Drug Task Force, a coalition of five La Plata County law enforcement agencies, has received the 2014 Regional Vice President’s Award from the Colorado Drug Investigators Association.

Recognition stems from the work of the task force in Operation Cannoli Joe, in which agents worked in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Florida, Arizona, California and Mexico.

The 15-month investigation brought 15 arrests, the seizure of 9 pounds of methamphetamines, nearly $20,000 in cash, 35 firearms and vehicles valued at more than $30,000.

Operation Cannoli Joe was carried out in 2013 and 2014. As a spinoff, investigations in other jurisdictions were conducted.

Dan Bender, spokesman for the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, accepted the award because task force members, who work undercover, can’t be identified.

The task force includes members from the Sheriff’s Office; the Durango, Ignacio and Southern Ute Indian Tribe police departments; and the Bayfield Marshal’s Office.

daler@durangoherald.com



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