Suspect arrested for distributing thousands of fentanyl and meth pills

A suspect has been arrested for distributing thousands of illicit Fentanyl and methamphetamine pills in Northern Colorado.

In March 2024, detectives from the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began communicating with a suspect regarding the distribution of controlled substances. The suspect, identified as German Baez (DOB 03/01/98) of Eaton, was distributing illegal narcotics in the area. Detectives learned that Baez had ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel.

Between April 2024 and May 2024, investigators recovered approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 2,500 fentanyl pills through undercover drug transactions. In May 2024, they learned Baez would travel to California and planned to send narcotics to Colorado. Detectives seized five packages containing methamphetamine and Fentanyl concealed in children's toys.

The secret communication continued with the suspect, who eventually agreed to sell them 40,000 Fentanyl pills. When Baez arrived at the agreed location, he was met by law enforcement and arrested. Approximately 40,000 Fentanyl pills were recovered during the arrest. NCDTF detectives executed residential search warrants at properties associated with Baez; in total, they seized 26 pounds of methamphetamine and 19 pounds of Fentanyl (over 85,000 dose units).

“The NCDTF and our partners at the District Attorney’s Office will continue to hold drug traffickers accountable for the distribution of Fentanyl in our communities,” said LCSO Lt. Mark Hertz, who is commanding officer of the NCDTF.

“This case is the perfect example of tireless efforts combined with an excellent working relationship between our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, the statement that “one pill can kill” is a cruel reality. Removing these quantities of Fentanyl from our area has undoubtedly saved lives.

Baez was booked into the Larimer County Jail and charged with:

• Controlled Substance – Special Offense – Importation (DF1) – 3 counts
• Distribution of controlled substance (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112 g/+ (DF1) – 3 counts • Possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute (meth/heroin/ketamine/cocaine) 112 g/+ (DF1) – 4 counts.
• Distribution of controlled substance – Fentanyl > 50 g (DF1) – 2 counts
• Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute – Fentanyl > 50 g (DF1) – 3 counts • Distribution of controlled substance – Fentanyl 4-50g (DF2)

The Larimer County Court issued him a $1,000,000 cash-only bond. Baez is also currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A reservation photo is attached.

“Record fentanyl seizures and record numbers of overdoses are making news every day across our country, and Colorado is not immune. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45. The only way to fight this epidemic is through collaboration,” said David Olesky, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division.

“The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force and the DEA have formed a strong partnership to target fentanyl traffickers here and abroad. At the DEA, we are grateful for both the partnership and the prosecution team. The fentanyl epidemic isn't just a federal, local, or state problem: it's everyone's problem. We will continue to do our part to hold accountable those responsible for trafficking this poison into our communities.

The charges constitute an accusation only and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force works to protect the community by identifying, investigating and impacting drug crimes in Larimer County. Participating agencies that make this effort possible include the Fort Collins Police Department, Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Loveland Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Eighth Judicial District Attorney's Office, Colorado Adult Parole and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Anyone with tips about illegal drug distribution activities in Northern Colorado can contact the NCDTF at 970-416-2560 or nocodtf.com. Tips will remain anonymous upon request.