HIGHLAND PARK, MI – Michigan State Police say they busted a “large-scale illicit market” marijuana grow operation in metro Detroit this week.
After a monthslong investigation, the Michigan State Police Marijuana & Tobacco Investigation Section conducted a search warrant Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Highland Park facility.
Police seized 4,000 marijuana plants, about 231 pounds of processed marijuana and 362 pounds of drying flowered stalks, a news release said. The haul is estimated to be worth $6.3 million based on the current rate of $93 per ounce being sold at licensed facilities.
During the investigation which started last fall, officials confirmed there was no medical or adult-use licenses at the facility or those involved in the operation.
The MSP Marijuana & Tobacco Investigation Section oversees marijuana criminal law and tax violations.
Growing illegal marijuana in Michigan is only a misdemeanor crime, the state Court of Appeals ruled last October, but unlicensed growers could face punishment for other crimes like tax evasion and the seizure of valuable marijuana.
