Partial details released on drug bust

On June 17, 2022, Sgt. Mike Mascorro of the Thermopolis Police Department (TPD) received information about a large load of methamphetamine arriving in Thermopolis. The Thermopolis Police Department subsequently conducted an extensive investigation and set up a Sting Operation in an effort to intercept these drugs.  

On June 18, TPD Chief of Police Pat Cornwell, Sgt. Mascorro, Officer Jessica Araiza, Officer Devin Jaussaud, and Officer Thomas Gamblin II participated in the Sting Operation taking down two occupants within the suspected target vehicle.  Police found five ounces of methamphetamine and five ounces of plant-form marijuana within the vehicle.  The driver and occupant were arrested for alleged possession of felonious amounts of controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  

The Thermopolis Police Department continued their investigation into locating the source of these drugs.  They teamed with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for the next couple of months. Their collaborative efforts yielded a suspected drug dealer living in Colorado and heading up the drug pipeline supplying the Thermopolis connection with methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.

On July 26, DCI requested Sgt. Mascorro’s assistance during the execution of a take-down operation where the main Colorado drug pipeline suspect would be apprehended.  The operation was a success after DCI, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Sgt. Mascorro took down the suspect on I-25 near the Wyoming/Colorado border.  

During the course of mutual efforts between DCI and the Thermopolis Police Department, they were able to intercept the following illicit drugs destined for the Thermopolis community: 753 grams of methamphetamine worth $75,300.00; 56 grams of heroin worth $9,800.00; and 240 fentanyl pills worth $7,200.00; for a total street value of $92,300.00. 

A total of three arrests were made.  Names were not provided as this case is still an open investigation