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Contact:  Julie Graham
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                                                                                                                            360-664-1621

LCB Suspends License of Cannabis Producer / Processor

OLYMPIA – On Dec. 23, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), issued a summary (immediate) suspension of cannabis producer / processor license Wingsing LLC, licensed in Snohomish County.       

The suspension is a result of a collaborative investigation with the Pierce County Sherrif’s Office (PCSO). The investigation found several violations of state laws and rules including diversion of cannabis to illicit markets and the transportation or storage of cannabis to/from unlicensed persons or entities in violation of state law (WAC 314-55-083(4)) and (RCW 69.50.325).

The PCSO carried out a search of three locations linked to licensee Zhe Xie. Wingsing’s licensed location is 23921 Sofie Road in Monroe, Washington. However, the investigation found additional cannabis growing operations located in Pierce County which were not listed on Zhe Xie’s license. The properties searched include:

7524 184th St E, Puyallup, WA
8111 113th Street Ct E, Puyallup, WA
2011 45th Ave E, Spanaway, WA

The search warrant operation at the three locations led to the seizure of illicit cannabis products and weapons including:

• More than 2,800 cannabis plants
• Several pounds of processed cannabis products
• Cannabis growing equipment
• Firearms

PSCO arrested Wingsing’s manager, Yifeng Chen on criminal charges related to the investigation and search warrant results.

LCB officers conducted an investigation of the licensed location, Wingsing, and found video of cannabis products being brought into the facility from outside the legal cannabis market. They also discovered cannabis being taken out of the facility to be used in the illicit market.

Under state law, all cannabis plants, products, test results, transportation logs, and sales records must be accurately reported to LCB’s Cannabis Central Reporting System (CCRS) to ensure cannabis is not diverted to the illicit market and can be tracked and tested for pesticides, heavy metals and other harmful contaminants prohibited for cannabis in Washington. LCB’s investigation found significant discrepancies between on-site evidence and CCRS records submitted by Wingsing.

State law allows the Liquor and Cannabis Board to summarily suspend a license without a prior hearing pending further action for 180 days, when the Board finds that such action is necessary to prevent or avoid an immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare. Zhe Xie has 20 days to request a hearing to contest the Board action.

Evidence Seizure Image
Evidence Seizure Image

The mission of the Liquor and Cannabis Board is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration, education, and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws.

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