MONROE—Earlier this year, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Enforcement Unit received a complaint regarding suspected unlicensed cannabis production at a property in unincorporated Monroe. The complainant reported a strong odor of cannabis throughout the property, raising concerns about potentially illegal cannabis production.
Due to the nature of the complaint, the investigation was referred to the WSLCB Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Following an investigation that established clear indications of an unlicensed cannabis production operation, WSLCB SIU partnered with the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force to further investigate the activity.
On November 6, 2026, the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the property with assistance from WSLCB Enforcement Officers. During the operation, approximately 2,700 live and dried plants were discovered and seized from the unlicensed production operation. One 70-year-old male suspect, Vernon Michael Lovelace, was arrested in connection with the investigation by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force and booked into Snohomish County Jail on the following charges:
- Felony drug manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver narcotics
- Felony marijuana production (manufacturing/growing marijuana)
Lovelace is currently facing two Felony B charges wand was released on $40,000 bond on November 8, 2026.
The Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force is supported by the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (Northwest HIDTA), a program of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
The WSLCB remains committed to working collaboratively with city, county, and state law enforcement partners to identify and address illegal cannabis operations and protect the integrity of Washington’s regulated cannabis industry.
Source: Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
