Denver Police Shut Down Fentanyl Pill Press Operation on Awareness Day

In a significant operation coinciding with National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, the Denver Police Department (DPD) dismantled a pill press operation linked to illicit fentanyl production. The operation took place on Wednesday morning at a residence located in the 4100 block of South Kirk Court in Arapahoe County, following a months-long investigation led by the DPD's Major Narcotics Unit in collaboration with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office SWAT team. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators uncovered a functioning fentanyl pill press and seized materials that preliminarily tested positive for fentanyl. Although four adults were present at the scene, DPD reported that no arrests have been made as the investigation continues. The presence of hazardous materials prompted a response from South Metro Fire Rescue to assist with the situation. The operation highlights the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the United States, where over 74,000 overdose deaths were recorded last year, many involving fentanyl. In Denver alone, 2023 has seen a troubling rise in drug-related fatalities, with 598 total deaths, of which 389 were attributed to fentanyl. The DPD's actions aim to combat the growing threat posed by synthetic opioids and raise awareness about the dangers associated with their misuse.