by Shelby Township, Michigan – A major drug bust in Macomb County has led to the arrest of three Michigan men after authorities discovered a massive stockpile of 1,500 pounds of marijuana, multiple firearms, crack cocaine, and nearly $380,000 in cash. Officials say the operation was part of a multi-state drug trafficking network dealing primarily in untested and illegal cannabis products.
According to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, at least six agencies — including the Macomb County SWAT team and the Federal Anti-Narcotics Team of Macomb (FANTOM) task force — executed search warrants on November 6 at three homes and one business in Shelby Township. The coordinated effort stemmed from an ongoing investigation led by the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team.
Large-Scale Operation Uncovered
During the searches, law enforcement officers seized an astonishing amount of contraband: approximately 1,500 pounds of marijuana, a small amount of crack cocaine, hundreds of THC vapes, gummies, and pens, as well as three handguns, two AR-style rifles, and five vehicles. Authorities also recovered $380,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal sales.
Investigators allege that the suspects — Mark Gojacj, 21, Fabio Asmar, 30, and Martino Abed, 35 — were deeply involved in a black-market marijuana distribution network that reached beyond Michigan’s borders.
“This was a sophisticated, multi-state trafficking network with bulk quantities being sold, sometimes between 6 and 150 pounds at a time, almost exclusively to out-of-state buyers,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham in a statement.
Authorities say the trio’s operation specialized in selling unregulated cannabis products without state testing or oversight, posing both legal and health risks.
Serious Criminal Charges Filed
Each of the three men now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- One count of delivering/manufacturing 45 kilograms or more of marijuana
- One count of conspiracy to deliver/manufacture 45 kilograms or more of marijuana
- One count of maintaining a drug house
The men were arraigned and each received a $100,000 cash/surety bond, according to the sheriff’s office. Additional charges may follow as investigators continue to review financial and digital records linked to the alleged trafficking operation.
Multi-Agency Collaboration and Ongoing Investigation
The bust represents one of the largest drug seizures in Macomb County this year and was made possible through close collaboration between several law enforcement agencies. The Sheriff’s Office credited the success of the operation to intelligence-sharing among local and federal partners.
“Illegal drug activity threatens and endangers public safety, frequently leading to violent crimes such as armed robberies and home invasions,” Sheriff Wickersham added. “We will continue to work to eliminate these large-scale drug trafficking operations from our communities.”
Investigators say the group was operating a “sophisticated, multi-location system” where marijuana and THC products were stored, packaged, and sold. Shipments were reportedly distributed to customers across several states using unlicensed couriers and cash-based payments designed to avoid detection.
A Growing Problem in Michigan
Michigan, where recreational marijuana is legal under state law, still faces growing issues with black-market cannabis sales. Unregulated products bypass state testing for potency, purity, and safety, which can result in potentially harmful products reaching consumers.
Law enforcement officials in Macomb County have increased efforts to target illegal distributors who exploit gaps in the legal cannabis system. In recent months, the Sheriff’s Office has conducted multiple raids on unlicensed dispensaries and underground operations, citing public safety concerns and lost tax revenue for the state.
Read Also: Florida Man Accused of Threatening Church Attacks After Losing Job
What’s Next for the Defendants
All three suspects are currently free on bond as prosecutors prepare the case for court. If convicted, they could face decades in prison under Michigan drug trafficking statutes. Investigators are also looking into whether the men were connected to any out-of-state partners or laundering schemes.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities expect additional arrests could follow as they trace the movement of money and marijuana across state lines.
“We’ve only scratched the surface of this network,” one law enforcement official said. “This case shows the scale and organization that still exists in illegal drug operations, even in states with legalized cannabis.”
Do you think Michigan’s legal cannabis laws are helping or hurting efforts to stop black-market trade? Share your thoughts at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
