Citrus Heights police arrested two people today in connection with the operation of an illegal marijuana dispensary.
The arrests of Steffany Vilas (pictured, left), 27, and Richard Garland (right), 55, followed a lengthy investigation involving unlawful sales of marijuana, according to a Citrus Heights Police Department news release.
Detectives served search warrants at the dispensary and two private residences in Granite Bay and Roseville early this morning. During the investigation, they discovered evidence that indicated Vilas and Garland were profiting from the criminal sale of marijuana, according to the news release.
Statutes currently allow nonprofit associations to distribute medicinal marijuana to patients who are members of and contributors to a cooperative organization and possess a doctor's recommendation. But the law prohibits dispensaries that profit from illicit marijuana, officials said. They also noted that the city of Citrus Heights has a moratorium barring dispensaries within the city limits.
The dispensary in the 8000 block of Sunrise Boulevard has been operating without a business license and in a criminal manner, police said. City code enforcement and building officials also found several code violations and deemed the location unsafe to occupy.
Police said Vilas and Garland will be booked into Sacramento County Jail. Detectives are continuing their investigation.
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