Multi-state investigation into black market marijuana operations results in raids of 27 Washington homes

SEATTLE – Several law enforcement agencies in Western Washington were involved in a series of raids of homes that were believed to be part of a multistate black market cannabis network.

Authorities said 27 search warrants were issued for homes in the Seattle area, including Renton, Kent, Maple Valley, Federal Way and SeaTac.

Each home was found to have a variety of marijuana plants and processed marijuana plus a variety of documentation which investigators said establishes that they were part of a network of illegal growers.

Tony Galetti, inspector in charge with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, said an investigation showed that marijuana was illegally grown in these homes, then mailed to people in nine states. Some participants in this venture bought more homes and more growing supplies.

“This is a particularly egregious ring,” he said. “You’re talking about over the course of this investigation there are probably tens of millions of dollars or products that have been shipped to multiple states.

They could sell product for $1,000 a pound here, but $3,000 a pound in an East Coast state.”

Six people were indicted and 11 were indicted as part of the operation. More arrests were expected.

Source: Associated Press