Two members-only clubs in Denver were raided over the weekend, and 10 people have been cited on marijuana-related charges.
Denver police conducted an operation Friday night at POTUS Club on West Alameda Avenue and executed a search warrant there on Saturday, said Raquel Lopez, a police department spokeswoman.
Five people were cited for charges, including for sale of marijuana, unlawful operation of an unlicensed marijuana business, and a merchant guard violation for failing to follow licensing requirements for security guards, Lopez said.
The Grassroots Break Room also was raided and five people cited there, The Associated Press reported. Charges included distribution of marijuana, public consumption and merchant guard violations.
Lopez said she did not know what prompted the raids.
Thousands of people have been in Denver for the past three days to celebrate April 20, a pot-smoking holiday.
Both places advertise themselves as private clubs and require memberships. A posting from Sunday Grassroot’s Facebook page said it was selling brunch and a three-day membership for $12. It later posted that the club was closed until further notice. By Monday afternoon, the collective posted: “We are open! Happy 420 and happy anniversary to GRC!!!! Let’s make history today. #happy420 #itsamovement #themovementcontinues.”
A post on the POTUS Club’s Facebook page on Sunday shows that they were aware of the issues at Grassroots.
Noelle Phillips: 303-954-1661, nphillips@denverpost.comor twitter.com/Noelle_Phillips
