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Six alleged illegal retail pot shops busted in Colorado Springs; $1.375M seized, police say

Business was booming at several Colorado Springs marijuana shops, despite local ordinances that prohibit the retail sale of marijuana and pot products.

Following a lengthy investigation, multiple executed search warrants, an arrest and additional arrest warrants issued, police on Tuesday said cash seized from the alleged illegal businesses came out to about $1.375 million, with the cash value eclipsing $2 million when seized property is considered.

Detectives from the Colorado Springs Metro Vice, Narcotics, and Intelligence Division’s marijuana regulatory team earlier this year began investigating several “illegally operating” retail marijuana stores in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Local municipal and county ordinances prohibit retail marijuana sales.

On Nov. 30, search warrants were executed at the following locations: Toke-a-Lot and Vapors Choice, 507 Security Blvd.; Toke-a-Lil, 2549 Delta Drive; Primo’s Smoke, 1748 Shasta Drive; Best Bud and Peak Ascension, 1617 Lashelle Way; Blazed & Confused, 603 W. Colorado Ave.; and Church of the Most High, 2402 East Boulder St.

Investigators seized more than 100 pounds of refined marijuana product, marijuana-infused edibles and marijuana concentrate. As part of the ongoing case, a search warrant was served on a home in unincorporated El Paso County.

Jon Vincent Martinez, 37, identified by police as a “main suspect,” was arrested at the home. Three other arrest warrants have been issued, although that number could go higher, said Lt. Eugene Black, a department spokesman.