Edmond police investigated suspicious drug activity in the area, which led them to a home that was acting as a stash house for a drug operation.[1][2] The investigation led them to a home in a newly developed community near Danforth and Kelly.[1][2] Documents say the car was known for alleged drug trafficking and made short-term visits to the residence.[2]
In late October, Edmond police pulled the suspect’s car over on Danforth for allegedly illegally crossing multiple marked lanes.[1][2] Police arrested 38-year-old Qiu Li, who was behind the wheel, after a K-9 alerted on his car and an officer smelled marijuana.[1][2] Police found rolls of packing tape and used dryer sheets inside the car.[1][2] Acting on a search warrant, detectives recovered over 900 pounds of marijuana inside the house.[1][3][2] Detectives found a significant amount of black trash bags filled with marijuana, mostly in heat-sealed plastic containers.[1][2] Detectives also found heat-sealing machines, tape and clear packing bags.[2] The house had no food and the only furniture was an inflatable mattress in a bedroom.[1][2] Neighbors told KFOR off camera they did not know whether anyone was living there.[2] In total, the confiscated marijuana weighed roughly 950 pounds, about 431 kilograms.[1][2]
A new search warrant uncovered financial documents at the suspect’s actual home showing large amounts in a bank account.[1][2] The account is tied to a company Li allegedly works at, and court documents say he told police he works at Claw Machine.[2] Investigators believe the business is an illegal front to launder drug money through the bank account to other financial institutions.[1][2] Court documents say investigators are now looking into whether possible financial crimes were committed too.[2] Li was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail but has since bonded out.[1][2] Edmond Police have submitted charges to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office.[1][2]
