FOLLOWUP: More on last week’s state raid of ‘marijuana club’ in downtown White Center
We first reported last Thursday on a state Liquor and Cannabis Board raid, with KCSO assistance, in downtown White Center. Today the LCB went public with more information. Here’s the news release:
During an undercover investigation, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) officers purchased illegal marijuana from a clerk at “Todd’s Trading Post and Compassion Club” (also called “Micael Sow Compassion Club”), an unlicensed marijuana retailer and marijuana club located at 9819 16th Ave SW in White Center. Under state law, marijuana may only be sold from a licensed marijuana retail store, and marijuana clubs are illegal.
Between May and July, an undercover WSLCB officer gained access to the club and made four buys of marijuana. WSLCB officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for Todd’s Trading Post and Compassion Club. In partnership with the King County Sheriff’s Office, WSLCB enforcement officers executed the search warrant Thursday, Aug. 1. The officers located and seized over 26 pounds of marijuana flower, marijuana concentrates, and marijuana-infused edible products. The retail value of the product was estimated at over $150,000.
The owner, Micael Kidane Tsegai, and a clerk, Ishmail Michael Kidane, were arrested by WSLCB officers and booked into the King County jail for the marijuana crimes and firearms violations. The owner of the store has previous felony convictions, and both subjects had outstanding arrest warrants. The marijuana, sales and security equipment, two handguns, and cash were seized as evidence. A loaded handgun was located in a backroom safe with the marijuana and cash. Officers also recovered a stolen handgun that was located in a freezer next to the cash register.
Officers will be recommending felony charges for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.401), Conducting and Maintaining a Marijuana Club (RCW 69.50.465), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (RCW 9.41.040), and Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310).
The investigation was prompted by complaints from the community alleging that the unlicensed store was competing against nearby licensed marijuana retailers, maintaining a marijuana club, and attracting criminal activity to the area.
According to the county jail register, Tsegai was released from jail after one day, Kidane after two days.
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August 6th, 2019 at 9:20 am
Well this sounds like a non license medical marijuana establishment ran by thug’s . Making a bad name for the legal shops . Iam glad that the police and wslcb were able to step up and shut this place down .
August 8th, 2019 at 11:38 am
Yes with *so many* nearby legal marijuana stores, which have legal restrictions on who can buy, thousands of grams of competing products have got to cut into their potential market.
August 19th, 2019 at 8:03 pm
It will be nice when that end of WC gets cleaned up and less than desirable businesses leave for more neighborhood friendly businesses. That’s the last of the old shady white center.
BTW “compassion club”? How many loaded guns did they find in that place?
August 24th, 2019 at 8:52 am
Great job WSLCB. That place created alot of problems on that street. Lets hope this helps!