Executive Summary
- Three men were arrested in Shelby Township, Michigan, in connection with an alleged multi-state drug trafficking operation.
- Authorities seized over 1,500 pounds of marijuana, $380,000 in cash, five firearms, and other controlled substances.
- The suspects, all from Shelby Township, face multiple felony charges related to drug manufacturing and distribution, with bond set at $100,000 each.
Three men have been arrested and charged in Shelby Township, Michigan, following a series of raids that led to the seizure of more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana, approximately $380,000 in cash, and multiple firearms. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office announced the operation targeted what officials describe as a sophisticated, multi-state drug trafficking network operating on the black market.
Details of the Seizures
The joint operation, conducted by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team and the DEA, executed search warrants at three homes and one business. In addition to the large quantities of marijuana and cash, investigators seized a small amount of crack cocaine, hundreds of THC vape pens and edibles, 16 grams of mushrooms, and a quantity of ketamine. Authorities also confiscated five firearms, including three handguns and two AR-style rifles, along with five vehicles.
Official Statements
According to Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, the individuals were operating outside of Michigan’s regulated marijuana market. “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,” Wickersham stated. “Illegal drug activity threatens and endangers public safety, frequently leading to violent crimes.”
Suspects and Charges
The suspects taken into custody were identified as Mark Gojcaj, 21, Fabio Asmar, 30, and Martino Abed, 35, all residents of Shelby Township. Each man faces charges of controlled substance delivery/manufacture of 45 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to commit the same, and maintaining a drug house. A judge set a bond of $100,000 cash-surety for each suspect. It is important to note that all three individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.