Area law enforcement keeps on illegal drug sites

ALMONT TWP. — Last month, the Almont Police Department executed a search warrant in Almont Township pursuant to an investigation into an illegal marijuana grow operation. 

The Almont Police Department was assisted by the Imlay City Police Department, Almont Fire Department, Almont DPW and DTE.

Officers seized 205 marijuana plants and equipment used to grow marijuana. No arrests were made. This is still an ongoing police investigation. When complete, the findings will be presented to the Lapeer County Prosecutors Office for review.

Additionally, during the months of June and July, Almont Police, Almont Fire and Almont Building Inspectors conducted inspections of MMMA grow operations in Almont Township. Several violations were noted and these operations were shut down. Medical marijuana can only be grown in zoned commercial areas in Almont Township. The Village of Almont ordinances prevent growing medical marijuana within the Village limits.

The Almont Police Department said it respects the legal protections and rights for registered qualifying patients and primary caregivers regarding the medical use of marijuana. Those rights include the ability to cultivate, possess, and use marijuana for debilitating medical conditions, subject to strict compliance with local ordinances and state laws.

The Almont Police Department said marijuana being illegally grown in residential areas is a serious quality of life issue for residents of the Village of Almont and Almont Township. The Almont Police Department is taking a “zero tolerance” approach to violations of state laws and local ordinances with regards to the illegal growth of and violations of the MI Medical Marijuana Act.