ALAMOSA — In a joint narcotics operation executed last Wednesday, Alamosa Police Department and Colorado State Patrol officers arrested several area residents in connection with suspected drug and theft activity.

Alamosa Police Chief Duane Oakes said the August 30 operation resulted from information the department received from the community.

“From observations and interaction with our officers and the community they developed leads and information of possible drug distribution occurring within our city,” Oakes said.

The subsequent narcotics operation involved four troopers from the Colorado Springs STIS (Smuggling and Trafficking Interdiction Section) team along with five officers from the Alamosa Police Department.

Arrested as a result of the joint operation were:

• Oscar Felipe-Gaspar, 23, Alamosa, on charges of possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear warrant
• Phil Lucero, 22, Alamosa, on charges of distribution, possession of weapon by previous offender, possession of controlled substance, defacing a firearm, possession of illegal weapon and criminal impersonation
• Walter Gaspar-Pedro, 23, Alamosa, on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs
• Mario Ortega, 34, Alamosa, arrested on a warrant
• Jesus Balderama, arrested on multiple warrants
• Heather Martinez, 22, La Jara, on charges of distribution, defacing a firearm and possession of an illegal weapon

Executing a search warrant in the 800 block of San Juan, law enforcement officers were able to recover: 11 firearms, two of which were confirmed stolen and two that were defaced; 20 laptops, computers and tablets, whose owners the police are trying to identify; a small amount of heroin; and cash not exceeding $500.

Chief Oakes said his department will continue to work on the illicit drug problem in the community. He encouraged anyone with information to contact the police department at 719-589-2548 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 589-4111.