Frequency of marijuana raids continues in El Paso, Teller counties

Authorities in the Colorado Springs area have conducted 18 raids on suspected illegal marijuana operations in the past two weeks.

Most of the busts were in El Paso County; four were in Fountain, three were in Teller County and one was the first of the year in Pueblo County.

The most recent raids were Wednesday morning in Fountain and Monday night in Teller County.

The sheriff’s offices of El Paso and Teller counties are following through on their commitment at the start of the year to increase enforcement of illegal marijuana operations.

Teller County Undersheriff John Gomes said since Jan. 1, deputies have conducted 14 raids.

“Eight have resulted in arrests and the seizure of marijuana,” he said. “We get tips regularly from the public and investigate them, but sometimes we find a fine line between what’s legal or illegal. It can take time to sort that out.”

Gomes said most of the suspects arrested have ties to Miami or Cuba.

“But we don’t know if the cases are connected or related to illegal drug organizations,” he said. “It can take months to figure everything out.”

Gomes said his department believes the county had around 50 illegal pot operations at the first of the year.

“I think we’ve had some move here from El Paso County where there’s more pressure by law enforcement,” he said. “But I also think we’ve had a lot of them leave. We’ve arrived several times at homes we’ve staked out to find everyone gone and all the equipment and marijuana taken.”

El Paso County was unavailable to provide updated figures Wednesday.

“We have several deputies and investigators on spring break and today we’re also serving two warrants at suspected illegal marijuana locations as I understand it,” said spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby.

The enforcement pressure may be forcing some illegal growers into Fountain.

“We’re seeing some things we haven’t seen much of before,” said police spokeswoman Lisa Schneider. “Homes having marijuana, weapons, hazardous materials and modified electricity. We’re concerned about the safety of our officers and the public.”

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office did not return calls from KRDO-TV seeking information about marijuana enforcement there.

“In some counties, it may not be much of a problem,” Gomes said. “In other counties, they may not have the resources to increase enforcement.”