Police: significant amount of drugs, money involved
Oct 17, 2008 09:55 AM EDT


"Please just bring him home safe so he's okay," pleads the aunt of Cole Puffinburger, who knows that every passing moment is crucial in finding the missing six-year-old.

Hundreds of people are working on this nationwide search. Police now say they've identified some people of interest in the kidnapping but have not released any names. News 3's Hetty Chang explains why authorities believe he was kidnapped.

It's not just drugs, but a "significant amount of drugs and money" that is tied to Cole's kidnapping. It's a connection police have suspected all along and news some family members are devastated to hear.

It's been nearly two days since six-year-old Cole Puffinburger was so violently abducted from his home. And now, police have confirmed that Cole's young life is caught in the middle of a very dangerous plot.

It's a drug connection that police say is no small operation.

"At this time, we are comfortable in saying that this kidnapping is a very definite drug nexus involved with the family," says Metro Police Captain Vincent Cannito. "This is about as real as it gets."

With every new lead, police are one step closer to finding Cole. But in the same breathe, their sense of urgency is hard to ignore.

"The longer we go," says Capt. Cannito, "the more dangerous the situation becomes."

As the investigation heads into the night, one thing has remained constant: Cole's family is not giving up hope. With each flyer handed out is a plea to bring him home.

"It's just really hard to have one of our babies out there with a stranger because he's a very, very good boy," says Cole's Aunt Amber Moore.

Family and friends say Cole is the spitting image of his father Robert, who is too emotional to speak publicly about his son's disappearance. Until he can see his son again, those who know and love Cole are pleading with the public for his safe return.

The investigation into Cole's disappearance now involves local authorities, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Police did say they are speaking with the Mexican authorities as well.

Cole has blond hair, blue eyes, and wears silver rimmed glasses. He is 3'11" and weighs 48 pounds. He also has noticeable discoloration on his two front teeth.

Cole was last seen wearing a black John Cena wrestling shirt, dark jeans, and black Vans shoes when he was kidnapped