A police operation conducted at a venue in Little Havana, Miami, resulted in the seizure of 56.5 pounds of marijuana, illegal gambling machines, a firearm, and ammunition.
As a result of the raid, Lisyane Flores, 25 years old and the manager of the establishment, was arrested along with a 15-year-old teenager accused of possessing cannabis with the intent to sell near a school.
The operation took place at El Rincón Market & Smoke Shop, located at 35th Avenue and 7th Street in northwest Miami.
The investigation began months ago following a stabbing incident near the establishment. During the police intervention after that incident, the officers noticed irregularities that prompted them to delve deeper into the activities of the business.
Research and police operation
According to remarks made to America Tevé by Miami Police spokesman Mike Vega, the investigation led an undercover officer to purchase marijuana at the location without any problems.
"This all started months ago, when there was a stabbing in front of this establishment, and when the officers arrived, they noticed things that didn't seem right to them," Vega explained.
"Upon receiving the information, we managed to obtain the search and arrest warrant. When we went yesterday, we found that they had marijuana, and there was also a closed room, which, upon opening, revealed illegal machines," he added.
The SWAT team participated in the raid, discovering not only marijuana but also gummies and chocolates infused with cannabis.
In the secret room of the establishment, they found traces of consumed drugs, a firearm, ammunition, and empty bottles of alcoholic beverages.
"In this establishment, alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed, and we arrested the owner of the establishment and a 15-year-old boy who was working there and has a relationship with the owner," Vega detailed.
Relationship with minors and doubts about the legality of cannabis
One of the aspects that raised the most concern among the authorities is the location of the establishment near the Green Springs high school, which could have facilitated the sale of cannabis to minors.
"The majority of the people entering the establishment are children who are on their way to school. We are not saying that everyone is buying marijuana, but they do go in there and witness the use of marijuana," explained the police spokesperson.
The school principal confirmed that the 15-year-old arrested is a student at the educational center and expressed his concern about the incident, while also expressing gratitude to the local law enforcement for their prompt response.
For his part, Lisyane Flores's lawyer, Lawrence Hashish, defended his client — a Hispanic woman whose country of origin has not been disclosed — arguing that the cannabis found in the store was legal.
"The cannabis they found is THC-A, which is allowed by law. This is a tobacco shop and they have everything on display, all packaged, all with a certificate of authenticity.", she affirmed.
However, the police indicated that not all the seized products were commercially packaged, as they also found vacuum-sealed bags next to the office at the back of the store.
Detective Matthew Martínez of the Miami Police revealed that from two undercover purchases, they obtained THC readings for some of the products they bought from a private laboratory, and those were the same products that were seized.
"The levels of THC turned out to be higher. The amount was 7% and 22%," he stated
Illegal gaming machines and bail for the arrested
The investigation also revealed the existence of a hidden back room containing six gaming machines, which led to additional charges against those responsible for the establishment.
"The mere possession of a gaming machine. The PC doesn’t indicate that anyone played or won or received money," argued attorney Hashish in defense of his client.
After her court appearance, Flores was charged with cannabis trafficking, possession of a gaming device, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
A judge set a bail of $8,500 for his release. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old is facing charges for possession of cannabis with intent to sell near a school.
Authorities continue to investigate the case and do not rule out the possibility of more arrests in connection with the illegal operation at the establishment.
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