On Sunday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) kicked off a new gargantuan operation. In July, they conducted an English-language inspection against an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs. More than 300 law enforcement officers from at least ten different federal agencies took part in the raid. This prolonged enforcement operation contributed to the arrest of over 100 people, targeting not just undocumented immigrants but active-duty military members.
Overseeing the operation was Jonathan Pullen, the DEA’s agent in charge. The investigation had been going for several months, focusing on purported activities including drug trafficking, prostitution, and violence. For Pullen, the covert raid was a pivotal moment in their mission to promote public safety in the community.
The nightclub operated within a building owned by Mike Moon, who claimed to have no prior knowledge of the illegal activities taking place. Moon said he was appalled by the finding. I’ve never even seen a reasonable amount of trash in the parking lot to think that anything like an after-hours nightclub is happening there,” he said. “So, it’s pretty shocking.” He added, “It’s written in their lease. They’re prohibited from engaging in any illegal conduct.”
In the course of the raid, law enforcement officers confiscated dozens of firearms. They seized tons of drugs including cocaine, meth and a drug that’s referred to as pink cocaine. Pullen acknowledged that the op’s surprise factor was a key component to success.
“When the cops showed up at the door, most of the drugs hit the floor. Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer community today,” – Jonathan Pullen.
The remarkable scope of this raid is a testament to the continuing seriousness of this investigation. The DEA‘s Rocky Mountain division remarked that “200+ inside an underground nightclub in CO Springs had their illegal party upended this am.” Instead, the division doubled down and insisted that “nothing good ever happens after 3 a.m.”
Among those arrested were over a dozen active-duty service members. Others were patrons of the venue and some served as armed, private security guards in the venue. This last detail of the raid has alarmed many, as it suggests the deep service member complicity in illegal acts.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade commented on the operation’s importance, noting that it was “the result of clear evidence of serious criminal conduct.” His remarks express the sentiments of a larger local leadership commitment to address crime, increase public safety and even provide more holistic community safety solutions.
U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi issued a congratulations on the operation and its results. The DEA is a vigorous supporter of smart, community-focused initiatives that address our nation’s drug challenges. Their work places particular emphasis on communities designated as hot spots for violent crime.
Derek Maltz, the acting administrator of the DEA, referred to Colorado as “ground zero” for violent criminals across the U.S. He underscored the need for immediate law enforcement response to the region.