The LAPD has made 160 arrests while the L.A. City Attorney’s Office has filed 36 criminal cases against 142 people with unlicensed commercial cannabis locations in what authorities described as a crackdown on Wednesday.
Authorities announced the figures at a news conference with Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer in downtown Los Angeles.
“If you’re operating an illegal cannabis shop selling medical marijuana then you’re going to be subject to criminal prosecution,” Feuer said.
The city attorney said the criminal cases were filed against people who have 32 unlicensed commercial cannabis locations and a delivery service.
LAPD Officer Stacy Spell said the department had served 54 search warrants, seized more than 6,200 pounds of cannabis and removed 29 guns since January in addition to the arrests.
The LAPD seized more than $300,000 in the operation, Spell said.
The violations for operating the shops are misdemeanor and the accused face penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to six months in jail, Feuer said.
“We believe every day they’re operating they’re in violation of the law,” Feuer said.
