Feds launch major pot raid

Agents target distribution from out of state

Federal agents and local law enforcement simultaneously raided homes across southeast Colorado on Wednesday as part of efforts to break up a major organization growing marijuana for distribution and sale out of state.

A Drug Enforcement Administration official said the agency was working with sheriff’s offices in El Paso, Pueblo, Crowley, Bent and Otero counties on some “big operations” that are linked to one encompassing investigation. Ten of 12 properties searched were rentals, officials said.

The official, who spoke to The Denver Post on the condition of anonymity because an investigation into the case is ongoing, said the operations are targeting marijuana being sent out of state — including Texas and Arkansas — in big volumes.

Another law enforcement source, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said multiple search warrants were being executed as part of a large marijuana distribution investigation.

Officials said more information could be released later on Wednesday. Investigators said more than 22,400 pounds of plants and marijuana products had been seized.

The export of marijuana grown in Colorado to other states was a chief concern of federal officials after it was legalized. Since then, illegal grows in homes and outdoors on federal lands have become a priority for authorities.

Undersheriff Dave Gaskill of Otero County, said Wednesday’s operations stemmed from an investigation that began in his jurisdiction several months ago. “There were people detained,” Gaskill said. “I don’t know how many.”

Gayle Perez, a spokeswoman for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, said SWAT deputies were involved in an operation with the DEA, but she said she didn’t have further information.

Wednesday’s raids come amid a string of similar seizures in southern Colorado and throughout the state over the past several months as federal and local authorities clamp down on marijuana being illegally grown in homes.

Colorado law allows people 21 and older to grow up to six plants — three or fewer of which can be mature, flowering plants — provided it’s done in an “enclosed, locked space.”