LAPD Captain Accused of Growing Cannabis Illegally

A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) captain, whose identity has not yet been released, is under investigation for the individual’s alleged involvement in an illegal cannabis cultivation warehouse according to the Los Angeles Times. On October 31, a burglary took place in the Sun Valley area of Los Angeles, and the police captain was linked to the location.

Last Halloween, the police responded to a burglary call at 4 a.m. and found an illegal cannabis cultivation operation inside a warehouse on the 8800 block of Bradley Avenue. The call was made by off-duty captain Phillip A. Smith from the LAPD Rampart Division. Burglars took cigarettes, cigars, a safe and cannabis plants from the warehouse. The investigation from the Gang and Narcotics Division revealed that one of their own was involved in the illegal cannabis operation. A month later, the department released some of the details.

“During the investigation, an LAPD employee was identified as being affiliated with the location,” the LAPD released in a statement. “The employee has been assigned to home pending an investigation as to their involvement. The Professional Standards Bureau, Internal Affairs Division is handling the confidential personnel investigation. The employee has not been arrested and there are no current criminal charges pending against the employee.”

Police in various areas have been recently accused of planting drugs on innocent victims, including police officers from the LAPD. Similarly, two former Kern County sheriffs avoided jail time after selling confiscated cannabis back into the black market last August.

The hypocrisy of allegedly corrupt police is an especially sore issue for many of Los Angeles residents. Despite voters approving recreational cannabis last November, the LAPD continues to raid cannabis businesses in Los Angeles when there are complaints or compliance issues. Los Angeles’ Proposition D-compliant businesses are least likely to be raided.

The LAPD captain accused of growing cannabis illegally was placed on paid leave indefinitely.