8 pot arrests in probe of dispensary

8 pot arrests in probe of dispensary

Drug sold to people not using it for illness, cops say


By EVE HIGHTOWER
ehightower@modbee.com

last updated: August 01, 2007 03:26:29 AM



A two-month investigation into an Oakdale medical marijuana dispensary resulted in eight arrests in five cities Tuesday morning.

Investigators said they believe Oakdale Natural Choice Collective, in the 1200 block of East F Street, was selling marijuana to people who were not authorized to buy it for medical reasons, Oakdale Police Chief Marty West said.

The collective, which is classified by the state as a nonprofit group, had been operating since late April. Oakdale police started investigating after people called to complain about it, West said. Police turned the case over to the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency, which conducted a more extensive investigation into the collective.

Investigators found a large amount of cash and marijuana packed for sale, according to an Oakdale Police Department news release. Police would not specify how much, for fear of jeopardizing the case before it goes to court. Nor would they explain the extent to which those arrested were involved in the sale of marijuana.

In addition to the collective's East F Street business, the agencies searched and made arrests at homes in the 1400 block of Grand Oak Way, the 2400 block of Orchard Park Way in Modesto, the 300 block of East Linwood Avenue in Turlock, the 1800 block of Stanford Avenue in Stockton and the 300 block of Orlando Lane in Lathrop.

Although the state allows medical marijuana dispensaries, West said not everyone visiting the collective was authorized to use marijuana as medicine.

About a month after the dispensary opened in Oakdale, City Council members passed a temporary moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. West said the two things were not directly related.

Oakdale was the last city in Stanislaus County to enact such a moratorium.

"I think that made (Oakdale) more attractive to people wanting to open a place like this," West said.

Council members have extended the moratorium 11 months and 15 days, so it will end May 5. Police then will recommend regulating, outlawing or allowing medical marijuana dispensaries.

Police arrested eight people Tuesday:

Michael Cadiz, 32, of Modesto on suspicion of transporting and being part of an orchestrated effort to sell marijuana.

Addison Demura, 33, of Oakdale on suspicion of possessing, transporting and being part of an orchestrated effort to sell marijuana.

Shawn Garvin, 33, of Modesto on suspicion of possessing and transporting marijuana for sale.

Russell Green, 28, of Stockton on suspicion of transporting, growing or processing, and being part of an orchestrated effort to sell marijuana.

Angel Herrera, 32, of Lathrop on suspicion of transporting and being part of an orchestrated effort to sell marijuana.

Brennan Johnston, 27, of Oakdale on suspicion of possessing, transporting, and growing or processing marijuana for sale.

Alejandra Vazquez, 24, of Lathrop on suspicion of transporting and being part of an orchestrated effort to sell marijuana.

Joseph Young, 30, of Turlock on suspicion of transporting and being a part of an orchestrated effort to sell marijuana.

Bee staff writer Eve Hightowercan be reached at ehightower@modbee.com or 578-2382.

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/30831.html


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