Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: July 13, 2017
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Heather Graves

Modesto, CA – Investigators with the Modesto Narcotics Enforcement Team (MNET) closed down an illegal marijuana dispensary in northeast Modesto.

An investigation into the illegal business started after a concerned citizen sent an email about a robbery that occurred at the dispensary while children were in a Jiu-Jitsu class in an adjacent business. The emailed recount of the unreported robbery described a man running from the business into traffic on Coffee Road, wielding a gun as employees yelled expletives and saying they had just been robbed. It further read that the Dojo wasn’t the only business that attracted children. A dance studio and restaurant are nearby, and the smell emanating from the dispensary was evident inside the other establishments.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the dispensary displayed a bicycle repair shop sign, but no bicycles were seen coming to or going from the business. Last Wednesday, a traffic stop was conducted on the dispensary owner, 41-year-old Paulo Canto. In his possession, he had over 10 pounds of marijuana, edible marijuana products, and waxes. Canto was attempting to move his business from the Coffee Road location to a new location on McHenry Avenue when he was stopped.

While the laws regarding marijuana have recently changed, it has not changed the illegal sales of marijuana and the criminal element that comes with it. Over the years we have seen an increase in violent crimes, including homicides and home invasion robberies in the city of Modesto, revolve around marijuana sales. Investigation Services Lieutenant Terry Seese said, “There is still a criminal component involving the sales of marijuana, and this is an example of the violence it can bring. We are thankful to the community for getting involved so we could put a stop to the illegal business before the violence continued.”

If you have any information regarding criminal activity, please call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.


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