Medical Marijuana Certification Center had equipment to produce fake cards
During a month long investigation that began in August, by the Counter Narcotics Alliance, marijuana sales from a business called “Shop 420” were discovered in a business advertised as a “Medical Marijuana Certification Center.”
The Center claim to offer education and consulting in regards to the Medical Marijuana Act. The business had five locations: four in Tucson and one location in Casa Grande.
On September 12, 2012, the Counter Narcotics Alliance, with assistance from the Tucson Police Community Response Teams, served search warrants at the following “Shop 420” locations:
• 5151 South 12th Avenue
• 3408 East Grant Road
• 8250 East Broadway Boulevard
• 408 East 7th Street
• 1145 East Florence Boulevard in Casa Grande
During the service of the search warrants, approximately 14 pounds of high grade, hydroponic marijuana was seized between all five locations, with an estimated street value of $50,000. In addition, approximately 25 pounds of marijuana candy was located between the five locations. These items were described as candy containing THC content advertised for sale. Detectives also located multiple fraudulent medical marijuana cards, as well as the equipment to produce them.
A total of 10 arrests were made in regards to this investigation. Each were charged with one count of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Possess Marijuana for Sale, one count of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana for Sale, one count of Money Laundering and one count of Unlawful Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia. One of the arrestees was armed with a handgun at the time of his arrest. He was charged with one count of Prohibited Possessor.
The Counter Narcotics Alliance is a collaborative investigative group made up of personnel from the Tucson Police Department, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Marana Police.