Six alleged illegal retail pot shops busted

Business was booming at several Colorado Springs marijuana shops, despite local ordinances that prohibit the retail sale of marijuana and pot products.

Following a lengthy investigation, multiple executed search warrants, an arrest and additional arrest warrants issued, police on Tuesday said cash seized from the alleged illegal businesses came out to about $1.375 million, with the cash value eclipsing $2 million when seized property is considered.

Detectives from the Colorado Springs Metro Vice, Narcotics, and Intelligence Division’s marijuana regulatory team earlier this year began investigating several “illegally operating” retail marijuana stores in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Local municipal and county ordinances prohibit retail marijuana sales.

On Nov. 30, search warrants were executed at the following locations: Tokea-Lot and Vapors Choice, 507 Security Blvd.; Toke-aLil, 2549 Delta Drive; Primo’s Smoke, 1748 Shasta Drive; Best Bud and Peak Ascension, 1617 Lashelle Way; Blazed & Confused, 603 W. Colorado Ave.; and Church of the Most High, 2402 East Boulder St.

Investigators seized more than 100 pounds of refined marijuana product, marijuana-infused edibles and marijuana concentrate. As part of the ongoing case, a search warrant was served on a home in unincorporated El Paso County.

Jon Vincent Martinez, 37, identified by police as a “main suspect,” was arrested at the home. Three other arrest warrants have been issued, although that number could go higher, said Lt. Eugene Black, a department spokesman.

“It’s still active,” Black said. “Potentially, additional warrants could be issued.”

During the search of the residence, detectives found numerous large safes in the garage that contained more than 60 handguns and rifles. Six of the weapons were determined to be stolen from prior crime scenes, police said. Detectives also found illegal drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy. Also seized in the raids were five vehicles, a motorcycle and numerous pieces of high-end jewelry, including Rolex watches.

After the initial Nov. 30 searches and seizures, additional search warrants were issued for various other locations, ultimately leading to the discovery of more than $1 million in unreported cash, police said.

Martinez is being held on suspicion of felony distribution of illegal drugs. The investigation is ongoing.