In a reminder that marijuana legalization does not legalize the production of all marijuana, Colorado police announced that they spent Wednesday morning busting a large swath of unauthorized cannabis production. Officers seized an almost unbelievable total of $240 million in marijuana plants and $13.5 million in market-ready cannabis, in addition to a Porsche, a BMV, and a Mercedes Benz from middle to upper class homes across the Denver suburbs.
A press release said that the operation yielded a total of 80,000 cannabis plants, which were confiscated from 41 houses in areas like Arvada, Thornton, Aurora, Castle Rock, Brighton, Parker, and Centennial, though raiding a total of 183 homes kept local law officers busy.
Denver7 reports that over 200 search warrants were involved — the same amount as had been filed during marijuana operations going back to legalization in 2014. That publication was unable to confirm if there had been arrests or which criminal charges have been filed in conjuncture with the investigation. The Denver Post reported that “dozens” of individuals were arrested during the operation.
The raids were apparently the product of a multi-year investigation into criminal enterprise that was shipping the finished cannabis over state lines. Wednesday’s operations were reportedly not the first time that Colorado police has busted growing operations uncovered during the operation.
“Unfortunately Colorado is no longer known for its beautiful mountains and scenery.” said District Attorney William T. McDermott in a Friday morning press conference regarding the raids. “Now it is known for marijuana and other illegal manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances. This investigation highlights that law enforcement and prosecutors are committed to the rule of law and ensuring Colorado returns to its former standing.”