Police Seize 2.5 Kilos Of Weed During Raids At Medical Marijuana Businesses
SPRINGFIELD (WWJ/AP) - Police have raided three medical marijuana businesses and government offices near Battle Creek as part of a drug-related investigation that began in 2012.
The raids took place Wednesday at businesses in Springfield -- The Karmacy, Southwest Compassion Care Center and Happy Daze -- that are suspected of selling marijuana illegally under the front of a medical marijuana dispensary.
Authorities say a search warrant for offices of the City of Springfield sought documents about licenses and financial records for all three businesses. The homes of the suspects, who live in Kalamazoo and Barry Counties, were also raided.
Police seized 2.5 kilograms of processed marijuana, 150 marijuana plants, seven handguns, 57,000 rounds of ammunition and 21 improvised explosive devices, Mlive.com reported. The IEDs, which were described as "homemade fireworks," are reportedly made from cardboard and plastic pipe and are a few inches long.
Investigators who have been observing the operations for years claim that undercover officers were able to purchase marijuana at the businesses. But Bruce Leach, a lawyer for The Karmacy, says the business was operating legally.
"We would welcome undercover officers to come in," Leach told the Battle Creek Enquirer. "They would see that they were operating the way they were supposed to. The officer would be required to be a member and obtain medicine from his care giver."
The same thing apparently goes for Southwest Compassion Care Center co-owner Michael Cain, who said his business was "looted" by police.
"Police said they had made a buy. But everyone who comes in has a card," Cain told the Battle Creek Enquirer. "They came in and robbed us and took all of our money and all of our stuff."
No arrests were made.
Michigan voters in 2008 approved marijuana for some chronic medical conditions, but the Michigan Supreme Court in February slammed the door on marijuana shops.
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