Nearly 1,000 Pounds of Marijuana Seized in Shelby Township Drug Bust

One of the largest drug smuggling operations in the community's history uncovered by police

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police in Shelby Township, Michigan seized nearly 1,000 pounds of black-market marijuana as part of a major drug smuggling investigation. The Shelby Township Police Department's Tactical Response Unit, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, executed a search warrant at a home, leading to the arrest of a 51-year-old man on drug and weapons charges.

Why it matters

This bust represents one of the largest drug seizures in Shelby Township's history, disrupting a major supply of illicit drugs in the community and taking action to protect local families and neighborhoods from the harmful effects of the drug trade.

The details

Acting on information about a multi-state, black-market smuggling operation based out of a local home, Shelby Township police conducted surveillance for several weeks before executing a search warrant on March 13. In addition to the 964 pounds of marijuana, officers also seized a handgun, cash, and other drug paraphernalia. The investigation led to the arrest of 51-year-old Joseph Zouhair Foumia, who was arraigned on one weapons charge and four drug-related charges including maintaining a drug house.

  • The search warrant was executed on March 13, 2026.
  • Foumia was arraigned on March 14, 2026.
  • A probable cause conference is scheduled for March 30, 2026.
  • The preliminary exam is set for April 6, 2026.

The players

Shelby Township Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that led the drug investigation and executed the search warrant, seizing nearly 1,000 pounds of marijuana.

Drug Enforcement Administration

The federal agency that assisted the Shelby Township Police Department in the drug smuggling investigation.

Joseph Zouhair Foumia

A 51-year-old Shelby Township resident who was arrested and arraigned on drug and weapons charges related to the investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This bust is about more than just taking drugs off the streets — it's about protecting families and giving our neighborhoods a chance to thrive. This operation removed a major supply of illicit drugs from our streets and disrupted the people responsible for distributing them.”

— Robert J. Shelide, Shelby Township Police Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on Foumia's bond at the probable cause conference on March 30, and the preliminary exam is scheduled for April 6.

The takeaway

This large-scale drug bust in Shelby Township highlights the ongoing efforts of local and federal law enforcement to combat the black market drug trade and its negative impacts on communities. It demonstrates the importance of sustained investigations and cooperation between agencies to disrupt major smuggling operations and keep dangerous substances off the streets.