GLENDALE, Arizona — Glendale police have arrested several people accused of conducting illegal marijuana sales at so-called farmers markets.
Approximately four weeks ago, the Glendale Police Department received complaints of suspicious activity related to the 7Ten Club at Camelback Road and 51st Avenue. Police said the club has been hosting “farmers markets” twice a week where vendors and customers transact marijuana.
Detectives conducted surveillance and undercover operations that included 18 illegal marijuana transactions during which they purchased marijuana from vendors.
“These activities were held under the guise of our current medical marijuana laws, but were nowhere within the boundaries of those laws and regulations,” Sgt. David Vidaure said in a news release.
Narcotics detectives served search warrants Wednesday at five locations spanning Glendale, Phoenix and Buckeye.
Source: Glendale Police Department
Six vendors and three proprietors of the business were taken into custody at the 7Ten Club. The proprietors were identified as Scott Malcolm Westlake, 43, of Tonopah; Gregg Patrick Levendoski, 53, of St. Johns; and Joe George Flores Jr., 42, of Phoenix.
The nine suspects were booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail. Charges include possession of marijuana for sale and illegally controlling a criminal enterprise. Police said approximately 20 more suspects are expected to be charged.
Detectives recovered 50 pounds of high-grade marijuana, numerous items of hash oil and a quantity of methamphetamine. They also seized 13 firearms and U.S. currency.
Vidaure said a residence in Glendale had the equipment necessary to operate a hash-oil extraction lab. These labs have led to explosions that cause large amounts of property damage and serious injuries.
