On June 16, the City of Mountlake Terrace Police narcotics K-9 officer made a routine traffic stop on a 2004 Lexus. As the officer approached the car, he could smell the odor of marijuana, which became stronger as he spoke with the driver. The officer could see numerous black plastic garbage bags in the back of the vehicle and knew from his experience that large amounts of marijuana are often transported this way. The driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized and secured.

At the request of the local narcotics task force, a news release on the arrest and search warrant was delayed because of a larger investigation involving the suspects and the vehicle in this case. After a search warrant was obtained and served, the vehicle was searched and six large garbage bags containing approximately 140 pounds of marijuana were found in the car. The vehicle and evidence were turned over to the narcotics task force as part of their continuing investigation.

On Wednesday morning, June 30, at approximately 6:30 AM, City of Mountlake Terrace officers, detectives, a reserve officer and the evidence room technician assisted the South Snohomish County narcotics task force and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in serving warrants in King County and Snohomish County. Most of our personnel were at a home in the City of Shoreline in the area of 3rd and 165th Pl NE, which was a split-level home occupied by two adult females and an infant. The home had a large marijuana grow operation with power diversion. Approximately 350, four foot tall, maturing plants were seized at the home along with grow lights, hoods, power diversion equipment and sophisticated ventilation system. MLT personnel were involved in the processing of the evidence at that one home for most of the day. Most of the search warrants were served in Shoreline, Edmonds and Lynnwood — thus far, no houses or properties in Mountlake Terrace have been served or are expected to be served at this time. The 27 search warrants served (25 residences, 1 business and 1 safe deposit box) have thus far resulted in 36 arrests, 9,558 marijuana plants seized and $72,568.00 cash seized along with several vehicles, jewelry and some electronics.