Joint Law Enforcement Operation finds illegal cannabis operation in Puyallup home

Joint Law Enforcement Operation finds illegal cannabis operation in Puyallup home

More than 100 pounds of cannabis, 678 plants, grow equipment and car seized

OLYMPIA WA: Officers from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force (TNT) served a search warrant on a Puyallup residence that was found to be growing cannabis without any type of cannabis production, processing, or retail license. The illegal grow was located in unincorporated Pierce County on the 12000 block of Woodland Avenue East, Puyallup, WA.

Officers identified and seized 687 plants and approximately 100 pounds of cannabis that had been commercially packaged. In addition, officers seized a significant amount of growing equipment and a car associated with the illegal operation.

Officers found pesticides on site that would not be legal to apply to cannabis plants in a licensed operation in Washington State. Illegal electrical and other modifications to the house and outbuildings indicated that the residence was repurposed solely for the illegal production of cannabis.

Officers arrested a Kent resident who was associated with the growing operation and felony charges for the illegal manufacture and possession of a controlled substance have been recommended.

The Thurston County Drug Task Force and the Liquor and Cannabis Board received multiple complaints regarding the illegal cannabis grow. Neighbors complained that a strong odor of cannabis had been emanating from the house since 2017, after the cash sale of the residence to a person who never resided there. The LCB officers obtained a search warrant for the home which was served in conjunction with the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force.

The LCB educates licensees to reach compliance and enforces Washington’s liquor, cannabis, vape and tobacco laws and regulations. The WSLCB is mandated to ensure that licensees in Washington State follow state laws and regulations. When licensees fail to comply with state law, the Board, under state authority can take action including the issuance of suspensions to ensure public health and safety.