What was described as “the biggest investigation” of the Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua in the country unfolded in Colorado over the last 10 months, federal officials announced on Monday, netting 30 indictments of people allegedly involved in drug and weapons trafficking and a “barbaric” murder-for-hire plot.
U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly said Monday that investigators estimated three TdA leaders, five alleged members and “numerous” associates of the gang were charged in the operation.
The investigation started in October of 2024 when the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office started looking into a spike in crime at the Ivy Crossing apartment complex in Aurora with the help of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It would ultimately involve roughly 40 undercover operations where informants bought guns and a drug called tusi – also known as “pink cocaine,” most commonly a mix of ketamine and ecstasy…