(FOX40.COM) — The Modesto Police Department said it recently arrested 8 people and seized more than $10,000 from various businesses that were selling marijuana-infused edibles that were packaged as “copycat versions” of popular food and candy products.
Modesto police officers added that they confiscated thousands of dollars worth of flavored tobacco, drug paraphernalia, marijuana products, psilocybin mushrooms, and 10 gambling machines during their operation.
Video Above: San Joaquin County sheriffs bust illegal operation (from Dec. 3, 2023)
“This crackdown serves as a reminder of the dangers and criminal activities associated with the illegal sale of such products,” Modesto PD said. “Not only does it pose risks to public health and safety, but it also impacts the quality of life for our residents.”
On Monday, the Modesto Police Department along with agents from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration followed up on complaints from Modesto residents regarding the sale of marijuana-infused edibles and flavored tobacco products.
“Two separate notices were sent to local businesses advising them to cease the sales of any illegal products,” Modesto PD said.
As a result, police conducted compliance checks at the following locations:
- West Side Smoke Shop, 506 Paradise (near a park and high school)
- J’s Smoke Shop, 2019 Yosemite
- Smoke City, 2015 Yosemite Blvd.
- Maze Smoke Shop, 101 Maze Blvd.
- Smoking Jay’s, 302 McHenry Ave.
- Smoke City, 1601 Yosemite Blvd.
Those compliance checks led to the arrest of eight people, the seizure of over $10,000 from illegal gambling, and the confiscation of the previously mentioned illegal products.
Modesto PD said they also discovered an illegally owned gun and numerous building safety violations during their check-in.
“The Modesto Police Department extends a huge thank you to our personnel from patrol, Area Command, Investigative Services Division, and to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of this operation,” the agency said in its Facebook post.