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Tacoma judge tells police to return marijuana

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Municipal Court Judge Jack Emery said Thursday police could be found in contempt unless they comply with his order within seven days.

The News Tribune reports the judge first ordered police to return the drug on Feb. 28, but they have refused.

It was seized in May of last year when an officer pulled over Joseph L. Robertson for speeding. He was cited for driving without a license and misdemeanor marijuana possession. Prosecutors dismissed the drug charge in December, after state voters decided to legalize small amounts of the drug.

The case could be appealed. The judge called conflicting state and federal marijuana laws a "quagmire."