A recent investigative report by WeedWeek has revealed that a detective with the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) was arrested in April and now faces federal gun trafficking charges. According to court documents obtained through a public records request, the detective, Corey Harris, is charged with conspiracy to traffic firearms and dealing and manufacturing firearms without a license, each carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.
Screenshots obtained by WeedWeek from an Instagram account allegedly owned by Harris show guns and knives advertised for sale. In one instance, Harris allegedly texted a buyer, “Your package is secure…I got something good for us to smoke when you guys come.”
Harris, a former police officer in San Diego and Visalia (Tulare County), joined the DCC in early 2023 and served as a firearms instructor. Despite his recent certification in January 2024, his California Peace Officer Certification has been temporarily suspended. Harris has pleaded not guilty and is out on bail, according to the WeedWeek report.
Harris’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 18. The charges against him stem from alleged sales in 2021 and 2022 while he was with the Visalia force, and communications with a buyer in 2023 after he joined the DCC. According to an affidavit filed by U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms special agent Christopher Stanzos, Harris sold at least three guns, including a machine gun, to a felon. Harris also allegedly instructed the buyer on how to manufacture and alter guns and directed him to purchase ammunition without a background check.
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