Prominent CA Testing Lab Raided, Two Execs Arrested

A marijuana testing lab was raided in Pasadena on Monday, and two executives with the company were arrested for suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance.

Dr. Jeffrey Raber, president and co-founder of The Werc Shop testing lab, and Mark Piesener, another executive, were both arrested after cops responded to an anonymous tip regarding a “strong odor of marijuana” coming from the business, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Police also detained 26 other employees and seized 500 pounds of marijuana and 200 mason jars of hash oil, according to news reports.

Police told reporters that Raber and others contended they were legally making “botanical medicine” at the site, but officers festooned the building with a yellow warning sign that read, “Warning: a clandestine laboratory of illegal drugs and or hazardous chemicals was seized at this location,” according to one report.

Both Raber and Piesener posted a $75,000 bond after being booked at the Pasadena jail, and they have a court date in June.

Calls to The Werc Shop were not immediately returned Tuesday afternoon.