An investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., led to the seizure of a mass quantity of synthetic cannabis, three firearms and an arrest of an individual, according to an MPD press release from last week. 

On April 1, 2025, MPD confiscated over 200 lbs of alleged synthetic cannabis in Southeast D.C. as scrutiny increases for unlicensed cannabis operations in the city. 

During the investigation, MPD found the manufacturing of synthetic cannabinoids while observing a suspicious transfer of a storage tub into a vehicle in the 1300 block of E Street. The investigators found a brown leafy substance inside the storage tub, according to the MPD press release. 

They then executed a search warrant finding additional drugs and items used to manufacture drugs. In total, MPD recovered 214 pounds of suspected synthetic cannabis, an AK-47 style pistol and two handguns, shown in the photos from its press release. It also said it charged Tyrone Philips with three offenses and is working to identify additional suspects.

MPD’s bust of synthetic cannabis is separate from the additional efforts of enforcement against the city’s I-71 gifting operators that began in the fall of 2024. Over 40 unlicensed shops have been shut down by The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration in coordination with MPD. 

None of the shops padlocked in that targeted operation have been linked with synthetic cannabis. However, a few instances of closures detailed alleged amphetamines in cannabis products found from on site testing by authorities or additional schedule 1 drugs in the shops. 

The latest shutdown of a cannabis shop occurred on April 3, 2025. In 2023, ABCA opened a path for unlicensed gifting shops to become legal medical dispensaries, over 70 applied. As of April 1, 45 have officially transitioned — marking a 170% increase in legal conversions of unlicensed stores — with several social equity applicants and one standard applicant opening in the past week.