CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (KKTV) — A Fort Collins man, Albert Gene Vargas, 67, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following a major drug bust in Castle Rock.
The incident occurred on August 14, 2021, when a flock license plate reader alerted authorities to a vehicle with stolen plates near Castle Rock Parkway and Promenade Parkway. Castle Rock Police stopped the vehicle and identified Vargas as the driver.
During the stop, Vargas reportedly admitted he was working as a middleman for “some cartel dudes” and disclosed having a handgun in the car—despite being a convicted felon.
A subsequent search revealed large amounts of fentanyl, hallucinogens, over 450 grams of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. At the time, Vargas also had several outstanding warrants, including a felony drug charge in Denver.
Vargas later pleaded guilty to a class one drug felony as a special offender and felony possession of a weapon by a previous offender. He was sentenced by the 23rd Judicial District Court to 20 years in prison.
