Sixth man held in drug sweep

MONTROSE — The list of defendants in what authorities consider a cocaine trafficking ring has grown to six.

Omar Garcia was arrested recently in Delta County, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond for alleged possession of drugs; possession with intent to distribute drugs, and conspiracy to distribute or manufacture drugs.

As is the case with the other defendants, Garcia could be looking at the statutory designation of special offender if he is convicted of the drug offenses. The designation allows for a greater sentence to be imposed.

Garcia's was the latest in the string of arrests by the Seventh Judicial District Meth/Drug Task Force. Since late December, the task force has nabbed Gabino Flores-Hernandez, Juan Denicolas, Luis Carlos-Marin, Abraham Cuevas Pena and Oscar Meraz, all on drug allegations.

All five were being held on bonds of $750,000.

The agency has not yet released details about the case because the investigation is ongoing. Arrest affidavits are sealed for now.

Flores-Hernandez, Denicolas and Meraz appeared in Montrose County Court Thursday, where they were advised of formal charges.

Flores-Hernandez was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of cocaine. Denicolas was also charged with conspiracy and with possession with intent to distribute or manufacture cocaine. Meraz's charges were also conspiracy and possession of cocaine.

Judge John Mitchel explained to each man that prosecutors were seeking the special offender designation because of their alleged involvement in importing cocaine into the state of Colorado.

Marin and Cuevas Pena's cases were transferred to Delta for prosecution. Garcia will also be prosecuted in the Delta courts.

All defendants return to court later this month.