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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Police Department
Mike Ceynowa, Chief of Police
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
DATE: 9/22/2011
SUBJECT: Update on Search Warrant at "The Last Place On Earth" business
BY: DPD Public Information Officer Jim Hansen
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Search Warrant-Update
CASE NO.: 11169915
INCIDENT DATE: 9/21/2011
INCIDENT TIME: 1:02PM
INCIDENT LOCATION: 120 East Superior Street
SUBJECT: Update on Search Warrant at "The Last Place On Earth" business
BY: DPD Public Information Officer Jim Hansen
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Search Warrant-Update
CASE NO.: 11169915
INCIDENT DATE: 9/21/2011
INCIDENT TIME: 1:02PM
INCIDENT LOCATION: 120 East Superior Street
On 09-21-2011, Members of the Duluth Police Department and the Lake Superior Drug and Gang Task force executed a search warrant at "The Last Place on Earth" located at 120 East Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota. The search was conducted as part of an on-going investigation into the illegal sales of synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as synthetic or fake marijuana) at that location. The Minnesota Legislature banned the sale of synthetic cannabinoids during the last legislative session and that law became effective on July 1, 2011. Chemicals used in the production of synthetic cannabinoids are also banned by federal law.
One male employee was arrested and detained based on his involvement in the sale of products that are the target of the investigation. The employee was later released pending further investigation.
The search of the business was conducted pursuant a search warrant that was authorized by the court and based on facts established during the investigation. The investigative procedures, application for search warrant, execution of the search warrant and forfeiture recommendations were reviewed and approved by Police Department partners in the City of Duluth Attorney's Office and the Saint Louis County Attorney's Office.
Evidence and assets seized at the business were taken pursuant to Minnesota Law and are pertinent evidence in the ongoing criminal investigation and subject to forfeiture.
The investigation is on-going and no further details will be released at this time.