Federal agents with Los Angeles police raided 11 medical marijuana dispensaries across Los Angeles County on Wednesday 17 January 2007, searching five outlets in West Hollywood and six others in Venice, Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.[1] About 120 Drug Enforcement Administration agents wearing masks and bulletproof vests took part, assisted by the Los Angeles Police Department, in what was described as the largest single-day enforcement operation against medical-marijuana clubs in California to that point.[2]
Officers seized several thousand pounds of processed marijuana along with weapons and money.[1] The operation took about 5,000 pounds of marijuana and detained several dispensary proprietors without making arrests.[1][2]
A conflict over medical marijuana
The raids highlighted a conflict between California state law and the federal drug agency.[1] DEA spokeswoman Sarah Pullen confirmed the searches, and several people were detained for questioning although no arrests were made.[1]
JoAnna LaForce, cofounder of the Farmacy dispensary in West Hollywood, said agents took about $250,000 worth of product and $60,000 in cash and left a receipt for only $42,000.[2] The Farmacy reopened two days later.[2]
