Officers with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) on Friday announced the results of a raid on Medicine Creek Territory, an unlicensed cannabis business operating in Lacey, Washington. Authorities seized a large amount of cannabis, firearms and cash.
Throughout the investigation, LCB undercover officers purchased illegal cannabis from the unlicensed retailer, which claims to have tribal affiliation. However, the LCB revealed that the operators are not part of a federally recognized tribe.
The investigation was prompted by concerns submitted by the Nisqually Tribe, which cooperated with the LCB. The store was near Wa He Lut Indian School, the Tribe’s elementary and middle school.
The Nisqually Tribe has a cannabis compact with the State of Washington to operate cannabis businesses on tribal land. Under state law, cannabis may only be sold by a retailer holding a state-issued cannabis license unless the location is run by a federally recognized tribe with a compact with the State of Washington.
Over the past few months, undercover LCB officers made buys at the unlicensed store, which helped them obtain a search warrant. LCB officers executed a search warrant Friday morning in partnership with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers located and seized more than 8,000 grams of cannabis flower, nearly 900 concentrate products and more than 200 packages of cannabis-infused products. LCB officers also located and seized three firearms and approximately $6,000. The source of the cannabis remains under investigation.
LCB officers will recommend felony charges to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for unlawful possession and delivery of a controlled substance.
An evidence seizure image provided by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board of unlicensed cannabis for sale at Medicine Creek Territory.Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
