Colorado Springs police and DEA raid seven smoke shops and liquor stores over alleged unlicensed THC sales

Colorado Springs police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration served search warrants Oct. 14 at seven businesses that investigators say sold THC products without a license, including to minors, according to KRDO, The Gazette and FOX21 News, citing the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD).

The businesses targeted were five Speedys Smoke Shop locations and two Los Compadres Liquor Store locations, one of them in unincorporated El Paso County, according to the reports. FOX21, citing CSPD, reported that none of the locations are licensed marijuana dispensaries. The Gazette described the operation as a joint effort of the DEA, Colorado Springs police and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

According to CSPD, as reported by FOX21, the investigation began in May 2025, when a shipping company alerted police to five packages containing about 215 pounds of suspected THC and psilocybin products, shipped from New York and addressed to a person at a Speedys Smoke Shop location. Police collected another shipment of about 200 pounds in September 2025, undercover officers made purchases at the seven locations in 2025 and 2026, and police intercepted another shipment on Oct. 2, 2026, FOX21 reported. The Gazette reported that the businesses have the same ownership.

Police said investigators seized large quantities of THC products, along with psilocybin products, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products and cash. FOX21 reported that 7-OH, a kratom derivative, was temporarily placed in Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act in July 2026. Police said a full inventory of the seized items would take several days.

At one location, investigators found a 16-year-old working alone behind the counter, CSPD spokesperson Ira Cronin told KRDO. "If juveniles can get their hands on it or find places that will sell it to them, they're going to take advantage of that," Cronin said. CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez said in the department's release, as quoted by FOX21, that "reports that these products are also being sold at unlicensed locations to minors are particularly concerning."

KRDO reported that no arrests had been made as of Oct. 14 and that the investigation was ongoing. In a text message to KRDO, the businesses' owner said, "We're a serious business and are working/cooperating to resolve this matter and to have a better understanding of what rules apply to what type of license."

The reports did not say whether anyone has been charged. Allegations are not findings of wrongdoing. This report summarizes published news coverage and police statements and is not legal advice.