Hash oil is made by dissolving the active chemicals from dried marijuana plants, then evaporating off the sometimes flammable solvent to form a thick, potent substance. (Joe Amon, Denver Post file)

Vail man arrested for alleged hash oil extraction operation in his home

A 28-year-old Vail man is facing multiple felony charges relating to an alleged, illegal hash oil extraction operation in his home.

Mark Petrina was arrested Friday, according to a Vail news release.

Petrina’s arrest follows a joint investigation by Vail police and the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.

Vail man arrested for alleged home hash oil extraction operation
Mark Petrina. (Vail Police Department)

Following on an anonymous tip, investigators found an illegal hash oil lab at Petrina’s West Vail home in the Intermountain neighborhood, the release said. Authorities executed a search warrant on Petrina’s home, which is part of a multi-unit complex.

Investigators seized an illegal butane hash oil lab, cash, marijuana and marijuana concentrate.

Illegal production of butane hash oil is a level-two drug felony.

Petrina, identified by police as a store manager of the recreational marijuana dispensary, Native Roots, in Eagle-Vail, is also charged with multiple marijuana offenses, the release said.

Investigators said the amount of butane involved is capable of producing hash oil product with a street value of about $34,000.

There have been several hash oil explosions and fires in Eagle County recently, the release said.

“The brazen disregard for the safety of surrounding residents is unacceptable,” said Vail Police Chief Dwight Henninger in the release. “Swift action allowed us to stay ahead of a potentially catastrophic outcome.”

Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or @kierannicholson

This story was first published on DenverPost.com