Police say they have arrested the operator of two "compassion clubs" in Tempe and seized more than 120 marijuana plants.
The arrest came after a series of search warrants were served at Top Shelf Hydro College, formerly known as the AZ Go Green Co-op.
James Earl Chaney, owner and operator of Top Shelf Hydro College, was arrested at his residence in Phoenix.
Undercover detectives purchased large quantities of marijuana at his business, which is in violation the state's new medical marijuana law.
"They were saying it was for donations, but when our undercovers would go in, there was a price they had to pay. There was for quantity for quality, there was a different price for each one," says Tempe Police Sgt. Mike Pooley.
Also seized during the warrants were large amounts of cash, 8 guns, and 3 vehicles.
Compassion clubs opened in Phoenix-area strip malls and office parks when medical marijuana advocates became frustrated by the long delay between the state Medical Marijuana Act passing in 2010 and dispensaries opening.
Arizona has more than 35,000 residents with medical marijuana cards, but only six dispensaries where card-holders can legally obtain the drug.
Compassion clubs aren't regulated while the dispensaries are tightly regulated.
More arrests could come at a later time. The investigation is ongoing.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:01:11 GMT
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Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
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One week from now, the Jodi Arias murder trial should be in the hands of the jury. Even though the trial has lasted four months now, the interest in it is still high with a lot of people across the country.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture says a Louisiana-based meat packing company has expanded a recall of meat products because of possible bacterial contamination.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says a Louisiana-based meat packing company has expanded a recall of meat products because of possible bacterial contamination.
James Earl Chaney
