Denver marijuana dispensary indicted as part of national drug ring

DENVER — A Denver medical marijuana dispensary is facing dozens of charges after being indicted as part of a drug ring.

The Silver Lizard is facing 59 counts ranging from drug charges to tax evasion to money laundering after being named in the indictment, which alleges the dispensary provided marijuana to 13 different states and Washington D.C.

The 11 individuals named in the indictment could face up to 24 years in prison if convicted.

This case is part of a growing Colorado trend, State Attorney General John Suthers said following the grand jury indictment Monday.

“Colorado is becoming a major exporter of marijuana,” Suthers said. “Of significance is that the company involved operated as a medical marijuana dispensary and was selling to under cover police officers with the notion that this marijuana was going to out-of-state college students.”

The indictment said there were more than 100 shipments, which contained between one and three pounds of marijuana, that were sent through the U.S. mail in this case. Marijuana is less expensive in Colorado and therefore more attractive to outside buyers – even with the expensive shipping costs.

Efforts made to track down those named in the indictment were unsuccessful. The dispensary is closed and no employees returned telephone calls seeking comment.

All parties named are expected to be in court late next month.