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U.S. DEA Raids Thirteen Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Southern California

General Reference Information on These Raids

The Los Angeles Times wrote in a 12/13/05 article "Authorities Raid 11 Medical Pot Suppliers":

"Federal and local law enforcement officers Monday conducted what activists called the most widespread raid on medical marijuana dispensaries anywhere in California.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents and two area police agencies raided 11 marijuana dispensaries in San Diego and two in San Marcos, questioning employees and customers and carting off documents. The agents also seized an unknown quantity of marijuana.

No arrests were made. Authorities said the investigation was aimed at determining how much marijuana was being sold and who was supplying it."
12/13/05 Los Angeles Times


The San Diego Union-Tribune reported in a 12/13/05 article by Jeff McDonald, "Agents Raid 13 Medical Pot Dispensaries in S.D. County":

"Federal agents fanned out across San Diego County yesterday, executing simultaneous search warrants on 13 medical marijuana dispensaries.

A task force headed by the San Diego office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized approximately 50 pounds of high-grade marijuana along with equipment, computers, patient records and other materials. No one was arrested on suspicion of drug-dealing, officials said, but three people were arrested on unrelated charges.

The agents arrived at most of the dispensaries unannounced with guns drawn, witnesses said. They handcuffed employees and ran background checks on both workers and patients. Drug-sniffing dogs searched for pot and pot-laced products, such as brownies, ice cream and butter.

The raids were conducted on dispensaries in San Diego and San Marcos but quickly made news across California. Activists were worried that other dispensaries around the state would be targeted next....

Even though investigators plan to scrutinize the patient records seized yesterday, the DEA said medical marijuana users are not targets of the ongoing investigation. 'Those that are violating federal narcotics laws are subject to this investigation,' spokesman Misha Piastro said. 'We're talking about drug dealers – people who are trafficking in illegal substances.'"
12/13/05 San Diego Union-Tribune

(read more about cannabis clubs and clinics)

Pro Medical Marijuana Statement on These Raids
Con Medical Marijuana Statement on These Raids

Hilary McQuie of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) stated in the 12/13/15 San Diego Union-Tribune article by Jeff McDonald, "Agents Raid 13 Medical Pot Dispensaries in S.D. County":

"We're pretty disturbed by what we're hearing. It seems like a large operation designed to intimidate the medical cannabis community in San Diego. Given the timing with the board of supervisors' threat to sue the state over Proposition 215, we're concerned there's collusion between state and federal officials."
12/13/05 ASA

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) spokesperson Jack Hook stated in the 12/13/15 San Diego Union-Tribune article by Jeff McDonald, "Agents Raid 13 Medical Pot Dispensaries in S.D. County":

"The bottom line is the prices that these people are charging is three to four times higher than you buy from a seedy drug dealer in a back alley. These people are not helping the medically infirm. They're out to make money."
12/13/05 DEA

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