Auctioned Storage Unit Leads To Largest Fentanyl Seizure In Colorado History

An auctioned storage unit in Colorado was found to contain some 1.7 million counterfeit fentanyl pills and other narcotics, leading to the largest fentanyl seizure in state history, authorities announced Monday.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said a citizen legally purchased a storage unit at auction on Nov. 11 and “made a shocking discovery” of illegal narcotics, prompting a call to the authorities.

Deputies and narcotics detectives responded to the scene in Highlands Ranch and confirmed the storage unit contained “a massive quantity of kilogram-sized packages” and M-30 pills, which are counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was called in to assist in the seizure and investigation.

Testing confirmed the presence of 198 kilograms (437 pounds) of counterfeit fentanyl pills, amounting to approximately 1.7 million pills, along with 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of fentanyl powder and 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine.

“This is now officially the largest fentanyl seizure in Colorado history,” the sheriff’s office said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the original owner of the storage unit was arrested by the DEA in April. As a result, the storage unit bills went unpaid and it was auctioned off.

“I want to thank the citizen who reported this discovery, the storage facility staff for their cooperation, and the deputies who responded quickly and professionally,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Let me send a strong and unmistakable message: fentanyl and illegal narcotics will not be tolerated in Douglas County. Our deputies, detectives, and crime lab professionals are committed to keeping this community safe, and we will remain relentless in that mission.”