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drug possesion felony Narcotics Uncategorized

Medical Marijuana Banned From Apartment Complex

Apartment Complex Bans Medical Marijuana

Marijuana Banned From Complex

Marijuana at an apartment complex probably isn’t the best thing for those who aren’t using.  The Pointe at South Mountain apartment complex reminded their residents of this just a little while ago. This includes the use of medical marijuana.

Jay’s (resident)Statement:

I thought it was an infringement on people who use this medically. But if someone needed this medically, I think that’s terrible and awfully wrong.

While people might have to have medical marijuana for whatever reason, when they signed their lease they knew that the substance wasn’t allowed on the grounds.

If people keep “forgetting” these rules, the owners say that there will be “consequences”.

According to the Arizona Medical Marijuana Law, it only keeps the property owners from discriminating against those who use it. However, Federally it’s still illegal so they do still have the full power to say if they want it on their property or not.

If you want free range to use your medical marijuana whenever and wherever you want, the best bet is to buy your own home since there’s no laws making property owners to allow you to smoke.

Medical Marijuana Banned from College Campus

When you think of a college campus you think/hope of kids studying and working hard towards their future’s. Of course it’s college so yes, there will be partying. Doesn’t mean that the campus will allow marijuana on their property, whether it’s medical marijuana or not.

Now court battles are happening to take action against State Lawmakers that acted illegally when they made it a crime for medical marijuana users to possess their drugs while they’re on college and university campuses.

Swann’s Statement:

 To the extent a person violates such rules or prohibitions, the state can have the offending party removed or charged with trespassing. The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act does not stop it from creating such policies.

Lawmakers however, can not make criminals out of those who have to use medical marijuana.

Now the fight will begin to make sure that those who use this isn’t punished for have chronic illnesses. As long as they have their medical marijuana card, I don’t see why having it on them is such a bad thing. This is why the  medical marijuana issues need to be more resolved. You can’t set laws and not give clear guidelines.

Hopefully these regulations get fixed so that kids aren’t getting fined for being at school and having their prescribed medicine on them. Kids at school need to concentrate and if they have a condition that causes them to need medical marijuana then they shouldn’t be penalized for their medical condition. Let’s hope the new regulations are fixed fast and there aren’t any more kids that are kicked out of a higher education for this!

 

Phoenix Medical Marijuana Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

At the Phoenix based Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, drug cultivation or manufacturing charges are familiar territory. Our attorneys will respond quickly to your need for counsel and evaluate every aspect of your case. We are prepared to vigorously challenge the state or federal case against you or negotiate skillfully with prosecutors for manageable consequences.

 

Types of Marijuana Convictions

Our law firm can be an essential resource for defense of your rights and future whether you are:

 

  • A marijuana grower or dispensary owner who believed you were in compliance with the laws, only to

have been subjected to a raid and arrest

  • A person wrongfully accused of meth lab operation or other drug manufacture — or subjected to an

illegal search and seizure

  • An individual who became involved with drug manufacturing or smuggling due to your own addiction

or financial challenges

 

Our Attorneys take a focused, constructive approach to drug charge defense, informed by knowledge of what prosecutors need to see to plea bargain. We have extensive familiarity with successful drug treatment programs throughout Arizona and many years of experience helping people avoid life-altering felony convictions.

 

Prescription Drug Offenses

Prescription drug offenses have risen dramatically in recent years across the nation, including here in Arizona. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors have responded to the rise in prescription drug .

If you have been arrested for a prescription drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced prescription drug charge defense lawyer.

 

Our Los Angeles prescription drug crime attorneys defend clients accused of a wide range of prescription drug offenses, including:

  • Illegal possession of a prescription drug
  • Possession with intent to distribute or sell a prescription drug
  • Illegal sales, distribution or trafficking
  • Prescription forgeries

 

We have defended many clients against simple drug possession charges as well as felony drug distribution, trafficking and sales charges. Since we practice exclusively in criminal defense, we can provide a strong defense to any drug charge. Whether your case is best resolved by negotiated plea agreement or by trial, we will fight to obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Medical Marijuana Lawyer 

There is no time to lose if you have been arrested for Drug Transportation or want to do all you can for a loved one whose future is on the line. Any drug charge is a serious accusation that could result in prison time, other serious penalties, and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. The good news is that there is a defense to every charge. If you or someone you know has been accused of a Drug Crime pertaining to Medical Marijuana, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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drug possesion felony Medical Marijuana Narcotics

Phoenix Medical Marijuana Advancements and Findings

Phoenix Medical Marijuana Advancements and Findings

Medical Marijuana Industry Booming

Marijuana, medical or recreational isn’t something that is going away anytime soon. So all those people who hate it, might as well jump on the economic wagon and embrace it. Not saying you have to smoke pot but at least let those who want to be allowed to. However, let’s try to do it in the privacy of their own homes, not in the middle of a playground or hotel where families often frequent. Having a kid it’s hard enough to keep them from harmful thing and let them keep their innocence as long as possible, so please as a user of whatever, do it in a responsible way and in the privacy of your own home.

The marijuana industry is growing and as everyday passes more states are getting on board to embracing the economic growth that the marijuana industry brings.

In fact, one company agrees with it so much they hope to make a tourist spot. The company is an Arizona based company and they hope to create a different type of tourism, they have such high hopes that they bought an entire town for their venture.

American Green bought a city in hopes to create a pot based tourist destination.

Statement from the Marijuana Company:

first energy-independent, cannabis-friendly hospitality destination.

The company hopes that they can build more shops and restaurants in the little town and even open a dispensary.

Dish Network Van Carries Marijuana Inside

A Dish Network van isn’t something that you would think that would harbor drugs, however anyone can buy a van and put decals on it.

According to reports, the van was inspected by a canine unit at the Ajo Border Patrol Station. There they found around $199,000 worth of marijuana inside. Which I’m not a pot expert but that seems like it would be a heck of a lot of drugs.

After the canine found the drugs the driver was arrested for “narcotics smuggling”. The van and 396 pounds of marijuana was seized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Phoenix Medical Marijuana Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

At the Phoenix based Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, drug cultivation or manufacturing charges are familiar territory. Our attorneys will respond quickly to your need for counsel and evaluate every aspect of your case. We are prepared to vigorously challenge the state or federal case against you or negotiate skillfully with prosecutors for manageable consequences.

 

Types of Marijuana Convictions

Our law firm can be an essential resource for defense of your rights and future whether you are:

 

  • A marijuana grower or dispensary owner who believed you were in compliance with the laws, only to

have been subjected to a raid and arrest

  • A person wrongfully accused of meth lab operation or other drug manufacture — or subjected to an

illegal search and seizure

  • An individual who became involved with drug manufacturing or smuggling due to your own addiction

or financial challenges

 

Our Attorneys take a focused, constructive approach to drug charge defense, informed by knowledge of what prosecutors need to see to plea bargain. We have extensive familiarity with successful drug treatment programs throughout Arizona and many years of experience helping people avoid life-altering felony convictions.

 

Prescription Drug Offenses

Prescription drug offenses have risen dramatically in recent years across the nation, including here in Arizona. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors have responded to the rise in prescription drug .

If you have been arrested for a prescription drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced prescription drug charge defense lawyer.

 

Our Los Angeles prescription drug crime attorneys defend clients accused of a wide range of prescription drug offenses, including:

  • Illegal possession of a prescription drug
  • Possession with intent to distribute or sell a prescription drug
  • Illegal sales, distribution or trafficking
  • Prescription forgeries

 

We have defended many clients against simple drug possession charges as well as felony drug distribution, trafficking and sales charges. Since we practice exclusively in criminal defense, we can provide a strong defense to any drug charge. Whether your case is best resolved by negotiated plea agreement or by trial, we will fight to obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Medical Marijuana Lawyer 

There is no time to lose if you have been arrested for Drug Transportation or want to do all you can for a loved one whose future is on the line. Any drug charge is a serious accusation that could result in prison time, other serious penalties, and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. The good news is that there is a defense to every charge. If you or someone you know has been accused of a Drug Crime pertaining to Medical Marijuana, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony

Medical Marijuana Money Seized

Medical Marijuana Money Seized

Money Seized from Medical Marijuana Operation

Medical Marijuana is on the rise. Almost every state is open to, or has accepted the selling of medical marijuana.

San Diego County District Attorney, Bonnie Dumanis has now been ordered to return more than $100,000 that was seized from a medical marijuana businessman and his family. This is 15 months after the drugs agents raided the man’s company and didn’t charge anyone with a crime.

After almost 6 weeks after the lawyers that represented James Slatic argued that the money should be returned, Superior Court Judge, Tamila E. Ipema made the order.

Judge’s Written Statement:

Investigations have been ongoing since January 2016 and there is no indication … that criminal charges are going to be filed in this case in the near future.

According to the reports, Dumanis has used state and federal civil asset-forfeiture rules for quite some time to steal millions of dollars from drug suspects. Which is probably a good thing if they’re true criminals they need caught and punished by law.

Steve Walker’s Statement:

The investigation remains under review for potential criminal charges, therefore the district attorney’s office is not able to discuss the facts, the status of that review or any evidence related to it. The funds ordered returned by a civil judge last week were previously found by a criminal judge to be tainted by criminal conduct, and we are reviewing the court transcript from the … hearing in March to explore further options.

Slatic’s (Businiess Owner) Statement:

It’s about time. We did nothing wrong. My business operated openly and legally for more than two years; we paid taxes and had a retirement program for our 35 employees. No one broke any laws, but the district attorney swooped in and took everything from me and my family, even though they had no connection to my business. Our lives were turned upside down. It felt like we were robbed — by the police.

In late January 2016, the family owned business had a scary awakening. Drug agents used sledgehammers to break open the front door of the Med-West Distribution company. Mid-West is a firm that supplied several medical marijuana shops with cannabis oils used for vaping as well as marijuana-laced edibles, topical creams and other products.

The drug agents seized all of the supplies as well as the business reports and just over $324,000 in cash. There was a separate forfeiture proceeding for those funds that is ongoing at this time. The agents also managed to arrest two of the employees on duty inside of the building, even though there were no criminal charges filed.

Criminal Charges

Since there were no criminal charges filed, it’s questionable why they investigated and took his personal money. Days after they searched his business they froze Slatic’s personal bank account. They even checked his wife’s accounts as well as his two step daughters, claiming that the money was from illegal drug profits. From Slatic’s account there was $55,00 taken, $34,000 from his wife’s account and more than $5,000 each from the two daughters. It was “formally” seized just a few months after.

During the hearings a judge ruled that the money should be returned because the money taken from the family wasn’t part of the Med-West Distribution. However, one could argue that there was probable cause for the prosecutors to pursue a criminal case against the company to prove that the funds actually were derived from “criminal activity”.

Almost a year after the criminal charges weren’t filed the Slatic legal team began working on trying to secure their family money back. However, the district attorney’s office opposed the motion. They said that the prosecutors had a year from the day that the money was formally seized. Talk about the tiny details. That would mean that the prosecutors had until June to decide on charges.

However, one could argue that they had no right to hold the claimant’s money at all since they didn’t file any charges against them.

According to California Law, law enforcement officials can not hold the suspects seized cash or property that is valued at less than $40,000 in federal cases without getting a criminal conviction.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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Major Marijuana Bust In Arizona

Narcotics Found Near the Border

Marijuana Seized In Arizona

Marijuana businesses are on the rise in America. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Arizona’s Port of Lukeville have arrested four United States citizens and seized more than 2,800 pounds of marijuana during two weekend smuggling attempts. talk about a rotten time to smuggle drugs. But let’s be honest, if you’re smuggling drugs your moral compass probably isn’t too high.

According to reports, on Saturday, a fifty-five year old man from Glendale was traveling with a fifty-eight year old female passenger from Phoenix, was referred for a “secondary inspection” of his motor home. The reports say that a CBP narcotics detention canine led the officers to find multiple marijuana bundles. Police say the bundles weighed more than 2,600 pounds and was valued at $1.3 million!

The following day officers referred the forty year old man from Green Valley and his twenty-four year old female passenger for further inspection for his Ford truck. Also with the aid of the narcotics detection canine the officers were able to find more than 150 pounds of marijuana. That bunch of drugs was valued at $77,000.

Officers seized the drugs as well as the vehicles and then turned the suspects over to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Law Allows for Bust Charges

Federal law allows the officers to charge the individuals by complaint. This is a method that will allow them to file charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. This means that an individual is presumed innocent unless there is enough evidence presented to a jury to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

 

Maricopa County Works on Drug Suppression

Maricopa County is working hard to rid its county of drugs. The Maricopa County Drug Suppression Task Force has arrested five people and has seized hundreds of marijuana plants on Tuesday morning. This all happened from a business that tried to evade the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. Pretty crazy when that’s the way that you’re trying to make a living.

Police came armed with a search warrant to a grow warehouse near 40th and Washington streets at 7:30 in the morning. They  were able to seize more than 600 marijuana plants. This was a huge haul for the force since this is one of the biggest drug bust for the county according to Lt. Jeff Gentry of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Gentry also said they collected: hash, edibles, keif which is a dried form of marijuana. According to the reports the marijuana that was collected from the warehouse will be dried at the Drug Enforcement Administration facility then be packaged as evidence.

There were a total of twelve warrants served in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Fountain Hills in the connection with the investigation. Among the items that were seized were also guns and more than $100,000 in cash. What an amazing achievement for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Gentry said that a father and son were believed to be the had of the operation and believed to head more than ten more similar facilities in Phoenix and norther Arizona. They have been running for about a year and half and have generated around $16 million for the operators at this time.

 Marijuana Suspects

According to officials, fifty-seven year old Perry Lee Hestor, thirty-five year old Brandon Lee Hestor, thirty-six year old Christopher Neil Rafferty, sixty-two year old James Allen Donaldson, and forty-four year old Christopher Yancy Martin were all arrested and booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail. They are expected to face charges which include fraudulent schemes and illegal possession and selling marijuana.

Gentry said that those that were involved in the illegal enterprise pretended to be caregivers which is horrible. Doing things legally under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act would have allowed them to have up to 12 marijuana plants as long as they didn’t live within 25 miles of a dispensary. The task force kept a close eye on the warehouse for about four months and did not wittiness any deliveries that exceeded 25 miles.

Suspected Drug Use

Police were first directed to the warehouse after complaints of a strong odor coming in the area.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Statement:

We cannot blame Mexico for this. This is domestic. This is home grown.

Good work to the Maricopa County task force and Sheriff’s office for making this huge bust. This is income that the state needs but also an example that needs to be seen. People can’t do illegal things. The state works with marijuana growers and for someone to try to do things illegally needs to be punished. They’re no better than the gangsters on the streets.

Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug-Related

Any federal criminal charge is a serious matter, but a federal drug crime is often a high-level felony offense, which may result in a significant term of imprisonment. Many federal drug crimes carry mandatory prison sentences. If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney.

 

Our Federal drug charge attorneys defend clients against all federal drug charges in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, including:

  • Drug trafficking (trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances)
  • Drug smuggling
  • Drug conspiracy charges
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug importation or exportation

 

Federal Drug Crime Defense Strategy

Federal drug charges can arise in a number of situations. Often such charges arise out of the transportation, sale, distribution or manufacture of large quantities of drugs. If you passed state lines while carrying drugs, you may also have triggered a federal charge.

 

  • As with any other drug charge, there are a number of defenses and effective defense strategies that may be utilized in a federal drug case, including:
  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal search

and seizure.

  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of a search

performed pursuant to a search warrant that was not supported by probable cause.

  • Fighting charges at trial if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove all necessary

elements of a drug crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Negotiation of a favorable plea agreement that minimizes a defendant’s exposure to potentially harsh

penalties normally associated with the conviction of a

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a federal drug-related crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
Drug Trafficking felony Narcotics

Marijuana Drug Bust in Phoenix

Dispensary Causes Suspicion

Police Finds Crate Carrying Marijuana

 

Metro police intercepted a crate containing 140 pounds of marijuana shipped from Phoenix for distribution to street dealers in Nashville Thursday.

When detectives received information that the 327 pound wooden crate located at a local freight company could be tied to criminal activity, they sent Caine, a police dog, to check, police said.

With the help of a Caine, officers found 140 pounds of marijuana inside the cargo during a search warrant, repackaged the marijuana and followed the shipment to a home in the 5000 block of Ryan Allen Court, the affidavit continues.

Police arrested Tusabi Edwards, 40, and Terrence Reames, 38, in connection with possession with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture a controlled substance in a school zone.

Depending on the grade of the marijuana, current drug prices provided by Metro police show it’s valued at anywhere between $385,000 to $630,000.

His co-defendant, Reames, told police Edwards came to Nashville to oversee the load of marijuana and that Edwards was supposed to sell the marijuana in Nashville. Reams also said he was to receive $2000 for his part to distribute the marijuana for providing a place to receive and break down the marijuana for re-sale in Nashville, the affidavit states.

Edwards is being held in lieu of $200,000 bond. Reames’ bond is set at $50,000.

As of Friday morning both men remained incarcerated at the Metro jail.

PART 2

The Maricopa County Drug Task Force removes Marijuana plants and growing materials after shutting down an allegedly illegal grow operation at a warehouse located near 40th Street and Washington on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz. Danny Miller / azcentral.com | The Republic

Armed with a search warrant, authorities arrived at a grow warehouse near 40th and Washington streets at 7:30 a.m. and seized more than 600 marijuana plants in what may have been one of the county’s largest drug busts, said Lt. Jeff Gentry of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Hash, edibles and kief — a dried form of marijuana — also were found at the warehouse.The marijuana collected from the warehouse will be dried at a Drug Enforcement Administration facility and then will be packaged as evidence, Gentry said.

A total of 12 warrants were served in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Fountain Hills in connection with the investigation. Among the items seized were guns and more than $100,000 in cash, according to officials.

A father and son are believed to head more than 10 similar marijuana grow facilities in Phoenix and northern Arizona that have been running for about a year and a half and have generated at least $16 million for the operators during that time, Gentry said. That dollar amount is a conservative estimate, he said.

Arrested Tuesday were Perry Lee Hestor, 57, Brandon Lee Hestor, 35, Christopher Neil Rafferty, 36, James Allen Donaldson, 62, and Christopher Yancy Martin, 44. All have been booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail and face charges including fraudulent schemes and illegal possession and selling of marijuana, officials said.

Gentry said those involved in the illegal enterprise posed as caregivers, which, under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, would allow them to grow up to 12 marijuana plants provided they did not live within 25 miles of a dispensary. The task force kept the warehouse under surveillance for about four months and did not witness any deliveries that exceeded 25 miles, Gentry said.

A Sheriff’s Office statement said the business is believed to have grown over 2,000 pounds of marijuana per year since they began their operation in late 2013.

Authorities were initially directed to the warehouse after complaints of a strong odor wafting in the area.

In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, sheriff’s spokesman Joaquin Enriquez explained the business flouted state standards for legal dispensaries by neglecting to have background checks for employees, dispensary fees, agent cards, safety regulations, product inspection, inventory controls, taxes and transportation limits or regulations.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said detectives believe up to 25 individuals were involved in the illegal enterprise and about 15 more suspects are under investigation.

He said the operation involved people “just trying to make money” and that investigators found no connection between the business and Mexican drug cartels.

“We cannot blame Mexico for this,” Arpaio said, tapping the wooden podium forcefully with his finger. “This is domestic. This is home grown.”

The Maricopa County Drug Suppression Task Force includes law-enforcement personnel from agencies including area police departments, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
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Police Raids Home for Marijuana and Cocaine

Police Raids Home for Marijuana and Cocaine

Police Investigate Marijuana and Cocaine Finding

Police are fighting the ongoing

 

 

 

A police raid in Oswego County led to the arrest of a man accused of having marijuana, cocaine and thousands of dollars in drug money.

Jared M. Kempston, 23, of 104 State St., Phoenix, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (more than 1/2 an ounce), third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and second-degree criminal possession of marijuana. All are felonies.

The Oswego County Drug Task Force said that around 8 a.m. on Friday July, 29, it’s investigators raided Kempston’s home with Phoenix police.

After executing a search warrant, investigators seized 5.1 pounds of marijuana, 17 grams of cocaine and $10,627 in suspected drug money, police said. Authorities did not share details of their investigation or say what led them to Kempston.

Police said the seized drugs have a street value of about $25,000.

Kempston was arraigned in Volney Town Court and released on his own recognizance

part 2

Superior’s new K9 unit assisted in a significant drug bust this week. The seizure included a Jeep Cherokee, over 2,500 in cash, a half a kilo of methamphetamines, and 2 guns. Two suspects were taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

  On Monday morning, Aug. 1, 2016, to the east of Superior, Officer Scott Curry pulled over a car for speeding. Upon questioning the driver Officer Curry decided a pat search was in order. During the search, the Officer discovered a loaded weapon in the suspect’s pocket. Officer Curry then called in the Superior K9 Unit. The dog successfully detected drugs in the vehicle. This was the K9 Unit’s third successful drug detection since Ace has been on the job. Ace started working for the Department less than a week ago. Chief Neuss indicated that this latest drug bust is the largest single seizure in the time he has been Superior’s Chief of Police.

  The K9 unit consists of Officer Bryan Lawrence and his canine companion Ace. Ace is a year and eight month old rescue pit bull. Narcotic dogs are usually Labrador Retrievers or German Shepherds. 

  “He is the only working narcotics pit bull in the State of Arizona,” Chief Neuss stated, “Ace is not trained for biting or holding or handler protection.” His only job is to find narcotics.

  Despite the reputation of this fierce breed Ace is a friendly and easy going dog who is great with children. Superior obtained Ace from a grant through Universal K9, a nonprofit out of San Antonia, Texas, and with the help of the Animal Farm Foundation. The officer’s training and the trip to pick up canine Ace was paid for through the Resolution Emergency Services Contract Funding. So far this entire program has been paid for through grant funding.

Chief Neuss states he is very thankful for the trainers and handlers of Universal K9 who not only helped them acquire the dog, but took special care to make sure that the dog selected was a good match for Officer Lawrence.

  “The breed has kind of gotten a bad name in the past,” said Officer Lawrence. “That they are very aggressive. That they are mean…people have gotten the wrong impression.” Officer Lawrence went on to say that when pit bulls go bad they are made that way by human beings. That the breed is very loyal to their owners and handlers. “He is great with kids. He is great with other dogs.”

  Ace has gone through eight weeks of intensive narcotics detection training. Officer Lawrence completed two weeks of training and he is still in the process of working with, and building a closer bond with, canine Ace. It takes three or four months for the handler and the dog to fully bond. Officer Lawrence states that Ace’s training in narcotic detection will continue for the dog’s entire career. It’s training that is given to the dog not only when he is working in the field, but also when he is at home.

  According to Chief Neuss, a K9 Unit was sorely needed in Superior as the town’s position on the junction of two highways makes it a very convenient and active drug trafficking path on the way to metro Phoenix. Chief Neuss hopes to expand the program in the future.

  Chief Neuss stated that so far canine Ace has a one hundred percent successful detection rate. Ace has only been on the job for less than a week. As Ace and his handler become more experienced and more comfortable in their working relationship, they will continue to help Superior Police Department decrease the flow of drugs moving through our community.

pRTR 3

The Drug Enforcement Administration arrested multiple people in Tucson on Wednesday after a long-term federal investigation targeting the sales and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “spice.”

Authorities found nearly 600 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids and a possible spice lab, along with multiple luxury vehicles and more the $350,000 in cash.

“This operation will be instrumental in restoring the quality of life for the neighborhoods impacted by the effects of the “spice” epidemic,” Tucson Police Department Chief Chris Mangus said in a press release. “We would like to thank the federal and local partners who participated with us during this investigation, as well as the community, who has patiently waited for this investigation to conclude.”

The DEA teamed up with IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Border Patrol and local and federal Homeland Security agents in order to investigate people of interest and search warrants within this case.

“Through the combined efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, today’s arrests truly impact the safety and well-being of citizens within our local communities,” FBI Special Agent Michael DeLeon from the Phoenix field office said.

The investigation resulted in 18 total arrests in Arizona, California and Colorado.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me