The Metropolitan Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division (Metro VNI) is a multi-mission component of the Colorado Springs Police Department. Metro VNI consists of the Strategic Information Center (StIC), Intelligence Unit, Vice and Human Trafficking Unit, Investigations Unit and three Narcotics Teams, which are part of a multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of sworn and civilian personnel from the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Police Department and the Woodland Park Police Department.
The Strategic Information Center
- Provides accurate, timely and actionable tactical, operational and strategic intelligence
- Utilizes the Intelligence Led Policing model to collect and analyze information, which supports command staff in efficiently allocating resources based on data driven analysis
Intelligence Unit
- Collects, analyzes and disseminates actionable intelligence
- Conducts threat assessments for large civic gatherings, critical infrastructure systems, and threats against public safety
- Investigates threats against government operations and officials
Vice and Human Trafficking
- Interdicts, disrupts and investigates human trafficking cases
- Recovers victims of sexual and labor trafficking
- Conducts vice investigations involving illegal gambling and or prostitution
Special Investigations Unit
- Proactively and strategically identifies, tracks, investigates and file for prosecution pattern property crimes involving either one or multiple suspects working cooperatively
- Identifies, tracks, interdicts and investigates crimes committed by prolific offenders
Narcotics Investigation Teams
- Investigates the manufacturing, distribution, possession, and use if illegal narcotics
- Conducts in depth investigations into major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering operations
Regulatory Team
- Investigates the illegal cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of Marijuana and Marijuana products
- Investigates the illegal distribution, possession and use of prescription drugs
- Conducts underage audits of liquor establishments
Metro VNI partners with local federal agencies to address regional criminal activity and potential acts of terrorism. Metro VNI has personnel assigned to the local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm (ATF) Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
2019 Highlights
The investigation below began in 2018, but the execution of the search warrants and subsequent arrests were conducted in 2019.
Narcotics Investigation: Beginning in 2018, MVNI detectives initiated an investigation into the distribution of narcotics in various bars and nightclubs in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. The primary drugs being distributed were cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. During the course of investigation, numerous persons of interest were identified and a well-organized drug trafficking organization (DTO) discovered. Metro VNI joined forces with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force to investigate and dismantle the DTO. The investigation ultimately became known as Operation “Snow Patrol.”
During the course of the investigation, 29 individuals were identified working in various levels of the organization. At the conclusion of the 13 month investigation more than 30 arrests and search warrants were executed.
The following items were seized as part of this investigation:
- Approximately 73 pounds of methamphetamine
- Approximately 19 pounds of heroin
- Approximately 3,100 fentanyl pills
- Approximately $140,000 in US currency
- Twenty-nine (29) firearms
This investigation is an excellent example of the effectiveness of law enforcement when local agencies collaborate with their federal partners.
Anonymous Tips
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact the Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (719-634-7867) or Submit A Tip on the Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers webpage. Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers exists to aid in reducing the crime rate in the Pikes Peak Region (El Paso and Teller Counties in Colorado) by helping law enforcement agencies solve crime and bring fugitives to justice. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that lead to the felony arrest of suspects or wanted felons, the recovery of narcotics, stolen property and cash.