DETROIT – A Detroit gas station has been shut down following an undercover police operation that investigators say uncovered marijuana, firearms, and nearly $400,000 in cash.
The Citgo station on East 7 Mile Road near Gratiot Avenue was targeted by the Detroit Police Department’s Vice Unit following complaints that the business was selling tobacco and marijuana products to minors.
Detroit police said undercover officers witnessed tobacco products being sold to a minor.
In a separate operation, an undercover officer allegedly purchased a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette at the business.
A subsequent search of the gas station uncovered 252 pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, 17 THC vape pens, $397,000 in cash and five firearms, police said.
One of the firearms was reported stolen.
Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison urged residents to report suspected illegal activity at businesses.
Police said similar enforcement operations have shut down about five gas stations and 30 smoke shops across Detroit over the past year.
“I just want to let everybody know that when you’re conducting business like this in the city of Detroit, selling to underage minors, selling marijuana, and you don’t have a license, having stolen firearms on your premises, we’re not going to tolerate this in the city of Detroit,” Bettison said. “And as a consequence, we will shut your business down.”
Police said residents can submit anonymous tips by calling 224-DOPE.
The investigation remains ongoing.