MCSO makes largest marijuana bust in a decade
Officials with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office say an undercover operation revealed a Valley-based operation of growing, processing, and selling marijuana illegally. FOX 10’s Kenzie Beach reports.
PHOENIX – Officials with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office say crews were at the scene of what they described as “one of the largest illegal marijuana grows seen in over a decade.”
What we know:
In a statement posted on social media, officials said the bust happened in the area of 40th Street and McDowell.
Disguised behind a business complex in the area is reportedly a detailed black market operation, with every square inch covered in illegal marijuana.
“It’s really crazy how sophisticated this marijuana operation was,” said Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan.
Narcotics detectives were reportedly tipped off through a multi-million dollar UPS account that was used to shop the product across the United States.
“We’re going to take two days for the detectives to collect all the evidence, and impound it all,” said Sheriff Sheridan.
What we don’t know:
Officials say three months of surveillance led to four busts across the Phoenix area, but investigators are unable to go into details at this point.
However, officials did say it’s the source of violent crimes.
“There’s a lot of fighting over the money,” said Sheriff Sheridan. “There’s been people been murdered over this marijuana grow, so it’s not just marijuana.”
What they’re saying:
“A bust at this scale deals a crippling blow to the sources of supply that are selling this in schools and shooting up neighborhoods,” said Lt. RJ Neville with MCSO Narcotics. “I’m talking about kids that are 14 years of age that we’ve found with thousands of pounds of marijuana, selling on social media in your kids’ high schools.”
What’s next:
So far, officials say three people have been detained. Detectives will now comb through, bag, collect, and process the facility involved, and present it to the Attorney General for possible charges.
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