Adrian Khoshnaw
By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published March 17, 2025
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Macomb Township man was arrested by Shelby Township police officers Feb. 26 for allegedly illegally transporting 120 pounds of marijuana and allegedly illegally selling marijuana.
Special Investigation Unit detectives from the Shelby Township Police Department reportedly were investigating reports of drugs being sold in residential neighborhoods. The investigation led to a traffic stop on a white F-150 in the area of M-53 and Hall Road.
Police said the driver of the vehicle, Adrian Khoshnaw, 23, of Macomb Township, was detained and a search of the vehicle resulted in almost 120 pounds of marijuana. At the time of the traffic stop, police said, the marijuana was being illegally transported. The search of the vehicle also uncovered more than $7,000 in cash that Shelby Township police said was directly related to the sale of the marijuana on the black market.
Shelby Township Police Sgt. Kevin Bailey said the department began getting tips about the illegal sale and distribution of marijuana in neighborhoods.
“Our SIU team knew it was black market because it was being sold out of vehicles, not at a facility or marijuana shop, and it was being sold without a license, and not to mention how it was being transported,” he said.
He said the marijuana was being transported in large black bags in the bed of a pickup truck.
Khoshnaw was arrested and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department prior to his arraignment.
On Feb. 27, Khoshnaw was arraigned at 41-A District Court in front of Magistrate James VerPloeg for felony delivery/manufacturing of marijuana.
Khoshnaw was given a $10,000 personal bond. His probable cause conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. March 25.
Shelby Township Chief of Police Robert J. Shelide said he would like to recognize the Special Investigation Unit.
“Marijuana is legal in our state, but that doesn’t mean you can transport it however you want. If you choose to illegally transport marijuana, understand that you are breaking the law. Our officers are trained to identify and intercept drug trafficking, and we will continue to enforce the law to keep Shelby Township safe,” he said.
Khoshnaw’s attorney, Michael J. Kemnitz, did not respond to a request for comment before press time.