Over six weeks through early October 2015, federal, state and local officers identified and dismantled a large number of illicit marijuana cultivation sites across Colorado.[1][2] The operation covered five remote stretches of federal land and a sixth site on private property, with raids executed by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and county sheriffs.[1][2]

Officers discovered and destroyed nearly 20,000 marijuana plants, much of it mature and ready for harvest, and seized more than 300 kg of dried marijuana.[1][2] Firearms and cash were also recovered.[1] The largest single site was found on 7 September in the San Isabel National Forest northwest of Trinidad, where more than 11,700 plants spread across 10 acres at elevations above 10,000 feet, with irrigation pipe, pesticides, camping gear, a kitchen structure, sleeping areas and a rifle.[1][2]

Thirty-two people were arrested and face federal drug trafficking charges in Denver and Grand Junction.[1][2] Nearly all of those arrested were from outside Colorado, including Mexican and Cuban nationals, and court documents allege some were working for drug trafficking organisations moving cannabis to other states including Florida by car or UPS.[1][2]