Shelby Township, MI – Three men from Shelby Township were taken into custody last week following the dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking network, law enforcement officials reported.
The operation, described by the Macomb County Sheriff as “sophisticated,” resulted in the seizure of over 1,500 pounds of marijuana, hundreds of THC products, firearms, vehicles, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.”
Operation Details
Authorities say the arrests followed a coordinated effort between local, county, and federal agencies. On November 6, investigators executed search warrants at four different locations in Shelby Township—three residences and one business.
The men, identified as Mark Gojcaj, 21, Fabio Asmar, 30, and Martino Abed, 35, were accused of selling marijuana outside Michigan’s regulated market, distributing large quantities of untested products through the black market.
Massive Drug and Asset Seizure
During the raids, authorities confiscated:
- Approximately 1,500 pounds of marijuana
- Hundreds of THC vape pens, gummies, and other edibles
- A small amount of crack cocaine
- 16 grams of mushrooms and ketamine
- Three handguns and two AR-style rifles
- Approximately $380,000 in U.S. currency
- Five vehicles, including two Lincoln Navigators, a Cadillac Escalade, a Kia SUV, a Jeep Cherokee, and a Dodge Ram van
The scale of the seizure underscores the significant threat such operations pose to public safety, particularly as illegal drug activity can often lead to violent crime, including armed robberies and home invasions, according to Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The operation involved a multi-agency partnership, including the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, Warren Police, Shelby Township Police, COMET, and the SWAT team. The collaboration highlights the ongoing commitment of local and federal agencies to combat large-scale drug trafficking operations in the region.
Sheriff Wickersham emphasized the impact of illegal drug operations, stating:
“Illegal drug activity threatens and endangers public safety, frequently leading to violent crimes. We will continue to work to eliminate these large-scale drug trafficking operations from our communities.”
Community Impact
Residents of Shelby Township and surrounding areas were reminded of the dangers posed by illicit drug networks operating outside regulated channels. Officials said the arrests should serve as a warning that law enforcement is actively monitoring and dismantling illegal distribution networks that compromise public safety.
Have you witnessed suspicious activity in your community or want to weigh in on this multi-state bust? Share your insights and comments below.
