Several people plead guilty in connection to operating several unlicensed, illegal marijuana dispensaries throughout Southern California.
Shahram “Sean” Sheikhan and Sabriana Williams were among others involved in the unlicensed, illegal marijuana business known as “Cannaland”. According to prosecutors, the operation functioned as a wholesale supplier of marijuana and marijuana products to unlicensed and illegal marijuana dispensaries in Southern California, but it also catered to individual customers.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cannaland in April 2021 at 10630 Willie Baker Way in Spring Valley. Authorities seized more than 3,000 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value in excess of $6 million, along with five firearms.
Both Sheikhan and Williams personally coordinated and facilitated the procurement of replacement firearms for the business’ armed security guards following the search warrant. Prosecutors said they continued to operate their business and distribute vast amounts of marijuana.
In their plea agreement, Sheikhan and Williams admitted to distributing over 3,000 kilograms of marijuana products.
“The FBI is committed to keeping our communities safe from the vast array of violent crimes and the criminal activity which accompanies these illegal establishments,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy.
Authorities have executed dozens of search warrants and charged more than 30 individuals with violating state and federal law, the U.S. Attorney’s office reported. These efforts have led to the seizure of nearly 30,000 pounds of marijuana and marijuana products; 68 firearms, including ghost guns; and millions of dollars in currency, jewelry, and other valuables.
Nearly 30 unlicensed, illegal marijuana dispensaries and wholesale distributors have been shut down to date.
According to Moy, the ongoing partnerships between the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego Police Department, the Chula Vista Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office “allows for the county to be agile and able to handle these types of cases using a variety of investigative techniques with different prosecutive options”.
Sheikhan and Williams join several others who have pleaded guilty to various drug, firearm, and money laundering charges in federal court as part of this investigation
