El Paso County Deputies assisting DEA in Peyton search warrant

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office confirms the DEA is executing a search warrant near Peyton. Deputies are also working with authorities.

Investigators are raiding dozens of homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area as part of an investigation into illegal marijuana growing operations.

Authorities say the locations being raided Thursday span as far south as El Paso and Elbert counties and police have made several arrests.

In recent weeks, they’ve been targeting drug traffickers who illegally grow marijuana in Colorado to ship to other states, where it can sell for more than double what it could in a legal pot shop.

Officials say drug traffickers have been moving from other states to seek safe haven in Colorado’s flourishing legal pot market.

We’re working to get more information and will have the full story tonight on Newschannel 13.