Authorities in Colorado recently disclosed the apprehension of 23 suspects linked to a series of over 40 break-ins at cannabis dispensaries in the Denver area.
Denver’s District Attorney Beth McCann revealed that these individuals are believed to be part of two distinct organized crime rings. The arrests were the culmination of a comprehensive probe by a coalition of agencies, including the Denver District Attorney’s Office, Denver and Aurora Police Departments, along with federal entities like the FBI, ATF, R.A.V.E.N., and the V.C.E.T.F.
McCann emphasized the strong collaboration among Denver’s law enforcement agencies in tackling organized crime, noting the significant impact these investigations have had on enhancing public safety in the city.
These suspects are charged with employing stolen or hijacked vehicles to raid marijuana dispensaries, firearm dealers, and other businesses in and around Denver from September 2022 through November 2023, as stated by the district attorney’s office.
FBI Denver Special Agent Mark Michalek highlighted the disregard of criminal networks for geographic boundaries, praising the collaborative efforts of local and federal agencies in executing the FBI warrants and committing to continued vigilance against violent crime in Colorado.
40 Cannabis Retailers Targeted
The district attorney’s office reported that the accused managed to burglarize over 40 cannabis shops, resulting in the theft of about $780,000 in cash and goods. The charges they face include motor vehicle theft, burglary, aggravated robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, illegal firearm possession, and COCCA violations. It was also mentioned that a firearm recovered in the investigation is linked to an ongoing murder case.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas commended the V.C.E.T.F., a joint task force of FBI and Denver investigators, for their relentless pursuit of those responsible for violent crimes, including aggravated robberies, kidnappings, carjackings, and burglaries in the area.
Pending Cannabis Banking Bill in Congress
Cannabis dispensaries are often targeted for burglaries due to their valuable inventory and substantial cash holdings, exacerbated by federal banking restrictions that force these businesses to primarily operate with cash transactions.
The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, a bill aimed at easing banking regulations for cannabis businesses, has been introduced multiple times in the past decade. Despite approval by the House, it has yet to be voted on in the Senate.
In September, an updated version called the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act was introduced by bipartisan senators. This bill, supported by leaders such as Schumer, Sinema, and Lummis, aims to provide legal cannabis businesses access to traditional financial services and protect federal banking clients.
The SAFER Banking Act, which includes several modifications from the original SAFE Banking Act, has been passed by the Senate Banking Committee and is awaiting a full Senate vote.
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