Dozens arrested in Denver area pot raids targeting exporters

An investigator tosses marijuana plants outside an illegal grow operation in north Denver early Thursday, April 14, 2016. Investigators have raided several homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area as part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana outside Colorado. (AP Photo/Sadie Gurman) (The Associated Press)

Investigator looks over a grow light taken out of a home in which an illegal-grow operation for marijuana plants was set up in Aurora, Colo., early Thursday, April 14, 2016. Investigators have raided several homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area as part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana outside Colorado. (AP Photo/P. Solomon Banda) (The Associated Press)

An investigator carries a grow light out of a home in which an illegal-grow operation for marijuana plants was set up in Aurora, Colo., early Thursday, April 14, 2016. Investigators have raided several homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area as part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana outside Colorado. (AP Photo/P. Solomon Banda) (The Associated Press)

Investigators have raided about 30 homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area as part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana outside Colorado.

A law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation says dozens of people were arrested in Thursday's raids. The official says the investigation began after residents living near the grows complained about the smell of weed and involves people who moved to Colorado specifically to illegally grow marijuana for export.

The official wasn't authorized to comment on the ongoing case and did so on the condition of anonymity.

At one home in a residential neighborhood, agents laid out confiscated grow lights on the lawn and driveway. In an industrial spot in Denver, large pot branches were stacked up outside a trailer.