Police seize black-market marijuana, illegal flavored tobacco – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

A report about marijuana being sold illegally at a smoke shop on Lander Avenue turned into a multi-agency compliance check of smoke shops across Turlock on Tuesday.

A total of 10 businesses were visited, resulting in seven seizures, six citations issued (four civil and two criminal). Black-market marijuana, flavored inhalants, and flavored tobacco products were also seized as a result of the search warrant at the Lander Avenue business.

The Turlock Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with the assistance from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and City of Turlock personnel, executed a search warrant in the 500 block of Lander Avenue at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday, after the City was notified of illegal marijuana sales along with flavored tobacco sales in violation of state law.

The CA Department of Tax and Fee is responsible for inspecting businesses and ensuring that all tobacco products are bought and sold legally. Turlock City Hall personnel also participated by hand delivering cease and desist letters to businesses that were out of compliance, notifying stores that they are in violation of Turlock Municipal Code and state law, and if not corrected, may result in City action to abate public nuisances and put business licenses at risk.

“As we were approaching some of these businesses, word had spread of our operation and employees had removed illegal products from stores. The Turlock Police Department will continue to conduct…