DETROIT (WKZO) — A weekend article in the Detroit Free Press examining abuse of the state’s drug seizure laws by police agencies sites several south west Michigan cases.
Medical Marijuana patient Thomas Williams grew his own medical marijuana until his home was raided by a SWAT Team.
Eventhough he was never charged they seized 11-thousand dollars cash, his van, his television, and are attempting to take his Colon Township home.
Ditto for 60-year old Wladyslaw Kowalski of Bloomingdale in Van Buren County who was growing for himself and as a caregiver for two others when he was raided.
He has subsequently been charged, but its a weak case.
Police took a vehicle and froze his bank accounts and are now trying to take his home.
Their Attorney, Daniel Grow of Kalamazoo, says police have taken a law designed for crack and heroin distributors and are applying it to medical marijuana growers.
He says they will probably end up negotiating to buy their property back just to avoid litigation.
The Law Enforcement agencies involved have refused to comment on the cases.
Congressman Tim Walberg has teamed up with Senator Rand Paul to end such abuses with new legislation, if they can.
