TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Police Department served warrants at six houses Monday where illegal marijuana grows were suspected, as well as the packaging and distribution of it nationally as part of an organized crime operation, according to investigators.
With the cooperation of six other agencies, the warrants were served simultaneously and suspects were arrested. The marijuana and grow equipment will be seized.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board confirmed that none of the homes were licensed marijuana growing operations.
Police say the homes, located in various neighborhoods in Pierce County, had all been converted to grow a large number of plants.
An investigation began after a citizen reported a possible burglary in progress at a neighboring home. Tacoma police responded, found that a burglary had occurred and also discovered that the house contained a covert marijuana growing operation.
Police said the investigation revealed that the people who lived in the house were associated with a number of houses in the area. Investigators said a group of people in the organization bought homes and converted them for marijuana growing operations.
Authorities say the marijuana is suspected of being transported out of state where it’s distributed and sold.
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Cox Media Group