Storage unit auction leads to largest fentanyl bust in Colorado history, deputies say

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - A storage unit auction in Douglas County led to the largest fentanyl seizure in Colorado history.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, a citizen had legally purchased a storage unit at an auction on November 11. When they opened the unit, deputies said that the person found multiple items that they believed were drug-related and notified the sheriff’s office.

Law enforcement then responded to the storage unit where they reportedly found a “massive” amount of kilogram-sized packages and M-30 pills.

Law enforcement tested their findings, confirming that they found:

• 198 kilograms of counterfeit fentanyl pills, which is approximately 1.7 million pills
• 12 kilograms of fentanyl powder
• 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine

According to deputies, this is the largest fentanyl seizure in Colorado history.

The sheriff’s office said the original owner of the storage unit had been taken into custody by the Drug Enforcement Administration in April.

However, the storage unit was eventually auctioned off to the public after the unit had been left unpaid for a significant amount of time.

“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.”