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Police Say IED’s Found During Raid On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Posted at 5:47 PM, Jun 27, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-27 18:57:23-04

SPRINGFIELD, Mich. — Three medical marijuana dispensaries operating near Battle Creek in the small community of Springfield were raided Wednesday by members of the Southwest Enforcement Team.

Law enforcement said they found around 150 marijuana plants, more than 20 IED’s, or improvised explosive devices, seven guns, and 57,000 rounds of ammunition.

Michigan State Police issued a release, saying there was evidence the three dispensaries were conducting illegal marijuana sales.

Happy Daze, also known as the Riverview Wellness Center, and the Southwest Compassion Care Center, both located on North 20th Street were raided Wednesday morning.

“It was pretty scary the guys in the ski masks, pretty intimidating, putting guns in your face, and stuff like that when we`re non threatening people,” said Matt McMurtrie, owner of the Southwest Compassion Care Center.

McMurtrie said it was around 10 am when law enforcement came to the door with guns drawn.

He said they tore the place apart and took medical marijuana, electronics and money not only from the business, but from employee’s pockets.

“I kind of feel like it was just thieves with badges,” said McMurtrie.

He said it was all very surprising since he felt they had been following the law.

“We`ve never had one single complaint form the City of Springfield or from Battle Creek in the whole time we`ve been established, ” said McMurtrie.

The Karmacy on West Dickman was also raided.

The owner on that business is listed as Kiel Howland.
State Police say they found more than 20 explosive devices, ammunition and guns there.

Karmacy attorney, Bruce Leach, defended the business, saying the guns there were registered legally and the notion that the Karmacy was hoarding IED’s was “ridiculous.” He said they were legal fireworks someone had purchased for the upcoming fourth of July holiday.

Perhaps most surprising to those involved, the raid on Springfield City offices to get the paperwork on the dispensary licenses.

McMurtrie said the city officials were treated just like people at the pot dispensaries, their documents taken and pictures taken as well.

He said for those who felt they were following state law, it’s a confusing situation.

“They are treating them like also like criminals, city manager, the secretary, the treasurer everybody who works for the city of Springfield,” said McMurtrie. “They are almost trying to make criminals out of law-abiding citizens and I think that`s the wrong thing to do.”

McMurtie said now that the raid has happened, he’s most concerned for the medical marijuana patients who no longer have access to their medication because it was taken.