On April 19, 2023, members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Specialized Patrol Unit (SPU), with assistance from the Metro Narcotics Unit, concluded a four-month investigation into the illegal cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of illegal black-market marijuana.  

A search warrant was executed in the 7200 block of E. Hwy 24, in Unincorporated El Paso County, which included 11 business locations in a large commercial building.  The resulting search recovered approximately 1700 marijuana plants, 400 pounds of refined marijuana, over 5 pounds of marijuana concentrate and one handgun.  Arrests are pending in the investigation and more information will be released when available.

“As your Sheriff, I am committed to putting forth the resources necessary to fight crime and remove dangerous drugs from our streets. I commend my team at the El Paso County Sheriff’s office, and our various law enforcement partners for their continuous efforts to make our community safer for families and businesses. Job well done!”- Sheriff Joe Roybal