Shelby Township, Mich. – Authorities in Macomb County executed a major drug raid in Shelby Township, seizing 1,500 pounds of marijuana, $380,000 in cash, multiple guns, THC products, and five vehicles, officials reported.
The large-scale operation, conducted on Thursday, November 6, targeted three homes and a local business as part of an investigation into a multi-state drug trafficking network.
Extensive Evidence Recovered
During the raid, law enforcement officials recovered:
- THC vape pens, gummies, and edibles
- Five firearms
- $380,000 in cash
- Five vehicles
- Small amounts of crack cocaine, ketamine, and mushrooms
According to authorities, the suspects operated a sophisticated network that distributed bulk quantities of marijuana ranging from 6 to 150 pounds per transaction, with most sales targeting buyers outside of Michigan.
Arrests and Charges
Three men from Shelby Township were arrested in connection with the bust:
- Mark Gojcaj, 21
- Fabio Asmar, 30
- Martino Abed, 35
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all three are facing serious felony charges, including:
- Delivery and manufacture of 45 kilograms of marijuana
- Conspiracy to commit controlled substance delivery or manufacture
- Maintaining a drug house
All three suspects were granted $100,000 cash-only bonds and are currently awaiting court proceedings.
Crackdown on Multi-State Trafficking
Sheriff officials emphasized that the operation was a significant disruption to a large-scale, multi-state drug network, noting that the seizure of such substantial quantities of marijuana, cash, and firearms will have a major impact on illegal drug distribution in the region.
The agency also highlighted the variety of THC-infused products, including vape pens and edibles, which have grown in popularity and are increasingly targeted in drug enforcement operations.
“This seizure demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to dismantle large-scale trafficking operations and keep our communities safe,” a spokesperson said.
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office stressed that bulk drug trafficking poses risks to both local neighborhoods and communities in other states. Officials encouraged residents to report suspicious activity to help prevent distribution networks from operating undetected.
How can communities work with law enforcement to prevent large-scale drug operations from taking root locally?
Share your opinions in the comments below, and tell us how authorities can protect neighborhoods from illegal drug distribution while keeping residents safe.
