DEA agents with weapons drawn raided the California Medical Research Center in El Dorado County on 28 September 2001, searching both the clinic offices in Cool and the home of its directors, physician Marion “Mollie” Fry and attorney Dale Schafer, near Greenwood.[1][2] The raid was the first time federal agents had targeted a California medical marijuana facility since voters legalized medical use in 1996.[3]
No marijuana was found at the center itself, but agents destroyed 32 plants grown at the residence for Fry’s own use and seized all of the center’s patient records, which a magistrate then sealed as privileged.[1][3] Fry and her 14-year-old son were handcuffed and detained for hours but not arrested, and no charges had been filed at press time.[1][3] Agents also reported finding about 20 pounds (about 9 kg) of processed marijuana at the house.[2] Fry’s daughter said the center served more than 6,000 patients and stayed open despite losing its records.[1]
Fry, a breast-cancer patient and outspoken medical-marijuana advocate, and Schafer, who had announced a run for district attorney, denied selling marijuana.[1][3] Local advocates said El Dorado County deputies took part at the DEA’s behest and called the raid a warning to doctors and patients statewide.[1]
