A two-year investigation into a vast black market marijuana ring has resulted in the largest pot bust in Colorado history, netting 42 arrests and the seizure of 80,000 marijuana plants, more than $2.2 million, and 25 cars including a Porsche and other luxury cars.

Raids on the homes began early Wednesday morning as hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement agents fanned across the Front Range suburbs to bust illegal grows inside upscale homes and arrest those involved. Agents served search warrants on 247 homes and eight restaurants in the Denver metro area.

U.S Attorney Jason Dunn, who was joined at Friday morning news conference by DEA Special Agent in Charge William T. McDermott, 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young and 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler, said the operation put a huge dent in a ring involving a local Chinese street gang.

“Unfortunately Colorado is no longer known for its beautiful mountains and scenery.” McDermott said. “Now it is known for marijuana and other illegal manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances. This

investigation highlights that law enforcement and prosecutors are committed to the rule of law and ensuring Colorado returns to its former standing.”

More than 80,000 marijuana plants have been seized and 4,500 pounds of finished marijuana, Dunn said. The value of those plants could be upwards of a nine-figured total, based on black market marijuana pricing. The finished product is valued around $13.5 million, according to Dianne Reuter, assistant Special Agent in Charge.

Authorities seized a Porsche 911, a BMW SUV, a Mercedes Benz and 41 homes in upscale and middle class neighborhoods in Denver suburbs including Arvada, Thornton, Aurora, Castle Rock, Brighton, Parker.

Some of the homes had more than 1,000 plants, mostly in basements, Dunn said. The grow areas generally are in sealed rooms with large commercial charcoal air filters that are used to remove the pot’s odor, according to a news release about the investigation.

“Colorado has become the epicenter of black market marijuana in the United States,” Dunn said. “It’s impacting communities, it’s impacting neighborhoods, and it’s impacting public safety. But this investigation may be just the tip of the iceberg.”

Only a small number of guns were discovered in the homes, McDermott said.

A total of 120 black market homes were raided in Adams County and 63 in Arapahoe County.

Adams County District Attorney Dave Young said that one of the biggest complaints he gets from constituents in his jurisdiction is the existence of black market grows in neighborhoods.

Colorado has become the hub of illegal marijuana distribution in the country, Young added.

McDermott vowed to aggressively pursue illegal grows and distribution rings, which generate astronomical amounts of cash and a luxury lifestyle.

“It’s not if, it’s when you will be investigated and prosecuted,” he said. “This marijuana issue is out of control in Colorado.”