COPS SEIZE 400 POUNDS OF POT, $800,000 FROM COUPLE

A routine traffic stop in Eastpointe led police to a couple in northern
Michigan who had 400 pounds of marijuana, $800,000 in cash and assorted
weapons, police said.

Investigators said the couple, who live near Roscommon, imported the
marijuana from Mexico.

In July, Eastpointe police made a traffic stop on Gratiot near 8 Mile and
found crack cocaine in the vehicle, said Sgt. John Calabrese.

He said the investigation then spread to Livingston and Oakland counties,
and then to Crawford County, where the couple was arrested at home.

"We pretty much worked our way up the ladder," Calabrese said. "It was a
well-oiled machine."

Calabrese said Fraser police and state police assisted in the raid Saturday.

He said police seized about 400 pounds of marijuana worth more than
$500,000, as well as $800,000 in cash and $250,000 worth of real estate and
personal property during the investigation.

Other items taken include handguns and rifles, motorcycles, all-terrain
vehicles and personal watercraft, he said.

In all, nine people have been arrested and released, Calabrese said. He
said authorities will decide soon whether to bring charges under state or
federal law.

The couple have not yet been charged, he said. They could face charges of
possession of marijuana over 45 kilos with intent to deliver, conspiracy to
deliver marijuana and use of a firearm during a felony.

Checked-by: Richard Lake