On September 14, 2016, the Metro Vice, Narcotics, and Intelligence Division, along with El Paso County Sheriff’s Deputies and El Paso County Sheriff’s S.W.A.T. Team executed a search warrant in Eastern El Paso County on South Blaney Road in regards to a suspected illegal marijuana grow operation.

During the search of the property, detectives contacted three individuals associated with the residence. Detectives seized over 175 illegal marijuana plants with a DEA street value worth $177,000.00. Detectives also seized 12 firearms and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency. A number of the illegal marijuana plants were growing outdoors and unsecured. 

As a reminder to all Colorado residents, the cultivation of marijuana must occur in an enclosed and locked space if the cultivation area is located within a residence. The  El Paso County Board of County Commissioners and the Colorado Springs City Council have passed codes and/or ordinances which allow residents to grow a maximum of 12 marijuana plants (1/2 or fewer being mature, flowering plants) at a residence.

The investigation is open and ongoing with criminal charges pending.