State busts unlicensed marijuana operation in Roy

On Aug. 21, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) in collaboration with the Tacoma Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) carried out a search warrant on an illicit, unlicensed cannabis operation happening at the “Red Barn Trading Post,” located at 34011 state Route 507 South, Roy.

Under state law, cannabis may only be sold by premises holding a state, LCB-issued cannabis license.

A previous complaint was reopened after the LCB observed the location was once again selling cannabis without a license. The previous search warrant was served in 2022 for the illicit operation and sale of cannabis.

During the investigation, officers conducted multiple undercover buys in which they were able to buy illicit cannabis products from this unlicensed location, according to a LCB news release.

Last week’s operation led to the seizure illicit cannabis products, cash and electronic equipment:

• 58,016 grams (127.9 pounds) of flower (buds and leaves)
• 28,407 grams (62.6 pounds) of concentrates/distillate
• 1,876 various cannabis items, which includes joints, edibles, vape cartridges, syringes and capsules
• Eight juvenile plants
• $1,455.26 in cash

Two individuals were arrested and booked by the Tacoma Police Department’s SIU for violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, including: unlawful delivery-controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and unlawful use of building for drug purposes.

Their names were not released by the LCB.