El Paso County law enforcement has intensified its crackdown on fentanyl-related offenses in 2025, following a statewide legal shift that lowered the threshold for felony possession. From traffic stops to hotel busts, arrests are climbing—and so are concerns about fairness and public health.

Arrests on the Rise

Since January, local agencies have reported a surge in fentanyl-related arrests across Colorado Springs and surrounding communities. Recent cases illustrate the scope and complexity of the crisis:

July 20, Security-Widefield: Walter Bivins, 65, and Leola Santistevan, 26, were arrested during a traffic stop. Deputies seized methamphetamine, heroin, and blue “M/30” pills suspected to contain fentanyl. Both face multiple drug charges.

June 30, Hotel Parking Lot Bust: Hayden Cutter, 31, was arrested with 15 fentanyl pills, 86 grams of methamphetamine, a knife, and a replica UZI airsoft gun. He was charged with unlawful possession and held on a $75,000 bond.

August 14, Stolen Truck Arrest: Gabriel Bales and Carrie Schaefer were taken into custody after police discovered meth and fentanyl in a stolen vehicle. Bales was already on parole for motor vehicle theft.

Legal Shifts Fuel Felony Charges

Colorado’s updated drug statute, enacted in early 2025, now classifies possession of more than 1 gram of any substance containing fentanyl as a Level 4 drug felony—regardless of purity or intent.

Penalties include:

• 6–12 months in prison (up to 2 years if aggravated)
• $1,000–$100,000 in fines
• 1 year of mandatory parole
• A permanent criminal record

Defense attorneys warn that the law may lead to overcharging.  

“We’re seeing people charged with felonies for trace amounts they didn’t even know were present,” said Timothy Bussey, a Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyer.

Public Health Toll

Fentanyl-involved deaths in El Paso County have outpaced those from methamphetamine and heroin, according to the latest data from El Paso County Public Health.

Demographics:

• 67% of fentanyl deaths: White, non-Hispanic
• Highest death rate: Black or African American (19.7 per 100,000)
• Emergency Room Visits: Synthetic opioid-related visits hit record highs in 2023 and continue to climb in 2025.

Balancing Enforcement and Treatment

While law enforcement remains focused on removing fentanyl from the streets, public health advocates are calling for expanded diversion programs and better forensic testing to determine actual fentanyl content in seized substances.

Sheriff’s deputies say they’re committed to protecting the community. “We will not tolerate the distribution of fentanyl in our neighborhoods,” said a spokesperson for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re using every legal tool available.”

As arrests rise and overdose deaths mount, El Paso County finds itself at the center of Colorado’s evolving response to the fentanyl epidemic—where justice, health, and policy intersect.

©️ The Rocky Mountain Dispatch LLC. 2025