In a federal and joint police force investigation, authorities have recovered over 140 pounds of marijuana believed to be used for trafficking Colorado Springs-grown drugs to Chicago. The operation reportedly spanned over 100 acres of land in Elbert County and incorporated at least 26 plants.
Four people were arrested in Chicago last Friday on three felony charges apiece: Daniel Haggerty, Matthew Tunzi, Anthony Munizzi and Mary Miller were all charged with cannabis trafficking, unlawful delivery of cannabis and possession of cannabis. Police have also executed three search warrants in Colorado Springs and Elbert County, according to Colorado Springs police spokeswoman Barbara Miller. During those searches, police seized 140.5 pounds of marijuana and 26 plants concealed by greenhouses and landscaping.
The ages of the people arrested were not disclosed.
The investigation began in March when the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted surveillance on Colorado Springs suspects after learning that marijuana found in Chicago was actually coming from Colorado. The DEA then joined forces with the Colorado Springs Police, Elbert County Sheriff's office, Illinois State Police, and the Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division.
On Nov. 2, officers conducted a controlled delivery of 50 pounds of marijuana in Chicago, and found the connection to an Elbert County address.
A home on Oro Blanco Drive in Colorado Springs turned up 42 marijuana plants, 3.5 pounds of marijuana, and a facility capable of accommodating 500 marijuana plants. According to a report by the Colorado Springs Gazette, the home is listed to Judith A. Schnur, who has a mailing address in Chicago. The marijuana businesses that have been operating out of the house were registered to Matthew Christopher Schnur, an activist in the local medical marijuana industry. Police told KRDO that Friday was the second time in a month that they had searched the home.
Police say the investigation is still ongoing.