Fort Carson Soldier Arrested Following Major Nightclub Raid

A decorated Fort Carson Staff Sergeant faces serious federal charges for allegedly supplying cocaine after authorities conducted a raid on a Colorado nightclub last week.

Key Insights

Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez was arrested following a massive raid on an underground nightclub that detained over 100 immigrants believed to be in the US illegally.
The soldier allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent and offered to sell illegal weapons to an undocumented immigrant.
Orona-Rodriguez continued working for a security company at the nightclub despite direct orders prohibiting such employment from his commanding officer.
The nightclub, Warike, was allegedly the site of criminal activity such as weapons trafficking, drug trafficking, and more.
The operation involved 300 officials from multiple agencies including the FBI, ATF, ICE, and local law enforcement.

Military Service Member Caught in Federal Drug Sting

Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, an eight-year military veteran with several commendations, now faces federal charges regarding his alleged involvement in a major drug trafficking operation following an illegal Colorado Springs nightclub. Assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Orona-Rodriguez was arrested on charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine following the April 27, 2025 operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration at a venue called Warike.

Court documents revealed that Orona-Rodriguez had been involved in a cocaine distribution scheme since at least September. The investigation produced significant evidence, including text messages discussing drug quantities, quality, and pricing with both conspirators and customers. Most incriminating was his sale of cocaine to an undercover DEA agent, which established direct evidence of his criminal activities. The soldier’s alleged supplier is believed to be a Mexican citizen unlawfully present in the United States.

Fort Carson soldier arrested on drug charges tied to raid of illegal nightclub https://t.co/eMX7syxu9U

— Colorado Springs (@cospringsnews) May 1, 2025

Unauthorized Security Work Despite Military Prohibition

Despite receiving explicit instructions from his commanding officer that working for Immortal Security LLC was “off limits,” Orona-Rodriguez allegedly continued his employment with the company that provided armed security for the illicit nightclub. This purported defiance of direct military orders compounds the severity of his situation and demonstrates a pattern of deliberate misconduct. The security company staffed the nightclub with armed guards, creating a militarized presence at a venue that was already engaged in numerous illegal activities.l

Beyond the drug charges, Orona-Rodriguez is also accused of attempting to sell firearms with high-capacity magazines to an undocumented immigrant. Text messages recovered during the investigation show him discussing these illegal weapons sales and insisting on cash payment only.

Massive Multi-Agency Raid Uncovers Alleged Criminal Hub

The raid that led to Orona-Rodriguez’s arrest was a substantial operation involving approximately 300 officials from multiple agencies, including the FBI, ATF, ICE, DEA, and local law enforcement. The operation resulted in the detention of over 100 immigrants believed to be unlawfully in the US and uncovered a trove of illegal items, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and a distinctive narcotic known as “pink cocaine.” Multiple firearms and other evidence of criminal conduct were also seized from the premises.

“This morning @DEAHQ apprehended over 100 illegal aliens at an underground nightclub frequented by Tda and MS-13 terrorists. Cocaine, meth, and pink cocaine was seized,” stated on social media.

According to law enforcement records, the Warike nightclub had been the subject of numerous 911 calls reporting various criminal activities, including weapons violations and narcotics offenses. Following his arrest, Orona-Rodriguez was initially held at the El Paso County jail before being released to FBI custody.

Fort Carson officials have acknowledged the arrest and stated they are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Orona-Rodriguez, who has no prior felony convictions, now faces a preliminary hearing set for Tuesday.