StaySmokin206
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Medical marijuana dispensary in Pierce, Kitsap counties busted
by KING5.com Staff
KING5.com
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 1:24 PM
Updated today at 1:51 PM
TACOMA, Wash. A multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force in Pierce and Kitsap counties raided three locations Tuesday in the investigation of a Tacoma-based medical marijuana dispensary.
The warrants were served as part of an investigation into the North End Club 420, which is a Tacoma exchange for medical marijuana patients.
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office spokesman Scott Wilson says a Tacoma home, a Tacoma office building and a home in Olalla were served with search warrants by the West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Det. Lynelle Anderson says one person in Tacoma was arrested for possession with intent and delivery of a controlled substance. Another person in Olalla was arrested for possession with intent and manufacturing.
Anderson says some 70 plants were found at the Olalla location, in the 13000 block of Olympic Drive. The Tacoma home is located in the 3100 block of S. 7th Street and the dispensary is in an office building on Oregon Avenue.
According to a press release from the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, detectives believe that the founders of the club were illegally manufacturing and distributing pot for "financial gain," even though the club claims its accepts "donations" for providing pot to people who are authorized to obtain medical marijuana.
Kitsap County says state law clearly shows that a person can only grow and provide marijuana for one person at any one time. It also forbids the sales of marijuana.
The investigation began after an informant came forward in January. Police say an "operative" who does not have proper medical marijuana authorization has made numerous buys of marijuana from members of the club, in a way that "clearly indicates the organization is selling marijuana to multiple persons at a price which is even higher than it would cost to purchase on the street."
Police also say the club appears to be making thousands of dollars in unreported, tax-free income from selling drugs to unauthorized medical marijuana users and taking advantage of those who legitimately need the drug.
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Medical-marijana-dispensary-in-Pierce-Kitsap-counties-busted-93449469.html --Full article.