GREELEY, Colo. – Three men have been arrested in connection to a black market marijuana and money laundering operation that investigators said spanned several counties in Colorado and sent pot and hash oil to numerous states.
Randall Zandstra, Tyler Greco and Michael Conway were taken into custody this week. Investigators said more arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
Investigators got wind of the alleged black market operation through a tip to the Ault Police Department. Over the course of four months, the investigation uncovered marijuana grows in Weld, Larimer, Boulder and Adams counties. Investigators also were led to Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and Kentucky.
According to the Weld County Drug Task Force, Zandra used two valid industrial hemp licenses as a cover for the grow operation. The marijuana and hash oil were sold in Colorado on the black market and also shipped out of state, investigators said.
Investigators said warrants were served on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at a number of locations along the Front Range corridor, including several banks and Green Thumb Garden Supply in Greeley. Those warrants yielded 2,100 marijuana plants and marijuana processed for sale that’s estimated to be several hundred pounds.
All three men are expected to appear in court on Friday.