ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Police Department (APD) was involved in two separate, unrelated incidents, both involving arrests for unlawful distribution of controlled substances. The first incident occurred when patrol officers responded to a call; the second involved several agencies and was a planned narcotics operation.
In the first incident, officers with the Patrol Division were dispatched Wednesday on a call of “suspicious items” to 841 Maroon Dr., No. 241. That address corresponds with an apartment complex more commonly known as Iron Horse Apartments.
According to a press release from the City of Alamosa, upon arrival at the scene, officers located numerous items in the apartment which appeared to be drug related, including approximately 140 suspected fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, heroin, an undisclosed amount of cash and a 9MM semi-automatic pistol along with 9MM ammo.
Based on the information and items that were found, it is believed that the resident was distributing illegal narcotics. As stated in the release, the case is pending further investigation and an arrest warrant is being prepared for suspicion of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. The suspect’s identity was not released at this time.
On Thursday, in a joint narcotics operation with the Monte Vista Police Department and Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with APD obtained a search warrant for 1004 Edison Ave. regarding illegal drug activity.
While executing the search warrant, 15 people were in the residence, which is an 1,800 square foot, two-bedroom house. APD detectives located suspected fentanyl pills and methamphetamine along with items used to distribute and consume narcotics within the residence.
During the operation, three residents were taken into custody: Chris Harvey, 42, Inez Maldonado, 43, and Aaliyah Tapia-Cruz, 19. All are residents of Alamosa.
Harvey was transported to the Alamosa County Detention Center for suspicion of unlawful distribution of a schedule II and unlawful possession of a schedule I and II. Maldonado was transported to the Alamosa County Detention Center for an active warrant out of Douglas County for suspicion of dangerous drugs, and Tapia-Cruz was transported to the Alamosa County Detention Center for suspicion of possession of a schedule I controlled substance and a failure to appear warrant for dangerous drugs out of Alamosa County.
APD Chief Ken Anderson said that APD code enforcement is working on condemnation of the residence.
“Due to the increased availability of fentanyl that our officers have been discovering in the course of their duties, we encourage you to contact our Investigations Division or leave an anonymous tip through our city website to report all suspicious activities occurring within your neighborhood,” Anderson stated.
