TACOMA, Wash. – A long-running investigation into unlawful cannabis cultivation and distribution has culminated in a major raid and the seizure of thousands of marijuana plants. On Dec. 11, the Tacoma Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in collaboration with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), dismantled an illegal operation tied to a licensed cannabis producer.
Authorities discovered that a licensed Tier 2 cannabis producer/processor had been diverting significant amounts of marijuana to the black market. Following the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at a sprawling 17,000-square-foot warehouse and a residential property. The operation was supported by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Special Investigations Unit, Washington State LCB Enforcement Unit, and the Tacoma Police Hazardous Environments and Tactics Team.
Seized Items Include:
- 7,789 marijuana plants
- Multiple pounds of processed cannabis
- Three vehicles
- One firearm
- Undisclosed cash
The licensee was taken into custody and is now facing charges of unlawful possession and manufacturing of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, filed in collaboration with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The Tacoma Police Department extended its thanks to its state and local partners for their support in this extensive operation. Their combined efforts ensured the successful takedown of a producer undermining the legal cannabis industry by engaging in black-market activities.
Source: Tacoma Weekly, Komonews.com