Colorado State Patrol Evidence Storage Lot Burglarized, 600 Pounds of Marijuana Stolen
In a brazen theft, thieves made off with approximately 600 pounds of confiscated marijuana from a Colorado State Patrol evidence storage lot in Arapahoe County. The agency has launched an investigation into the break-in, which occurred on the evening of April 1, and is working to identify the suspects.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the evidence technician discovered damage to a locked gate and a secured trailer at the facility on Friday. The trailer had been broken into, and the marijuana, which was seized as part of a highway drug interdiction investigation, was stolen. The stolen marijuana was scheduled to be destroyed, and no active court case or other criminal investigations were affected.
The agency has reported the burglary to the Englewood Police Department and is conducting its own investigation. A preliminary review identified security gaps at the facility, prompting the agency to increase the frequency of security camera checks and property walkthroughs to identify and address any issues.
The Colorado State Patrol is also conducting a comprehensive internal investigation to determine if any policies or protocols were violated. The agency has declined to disclose the address of the storage lot, citing concerns that the information could compromise the investigation and put evidence and personnel at risk.
The agency has taken steps to bolster security at the facility, including increasing the frequency of security camera checks and property walkthroughs, to ensure the integrity of evidence and prevent future incidents. The investigation is ongoing, and the agency is working to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for the theft.
