Bakersfield: Agents Raid Dispensary - May 2, 2007

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Subject:   US CA: Agents Raid Dispensary 
From:   "Richard Lake" <rlake@mapinc.org> 
Date:   Wed, May 2, 2007 3:03 am

Newshawk: Please Write a LTE www.mapinc.org/resource/#guides
Pubdate: Wed, 02 May 2007
Source: Bakersfield Californian, The (CA)
Copyright: 2007 The Bakersfield Californian
Contact: opinion@bakersfield.com
Website: http://www.bakersfield.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/36
Author: Jason Kotowski, Californian staff writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

AGENTS RAID DISPENSARY

Federal agents and local law enforcers raided a marijuana dispensary and a private home Tuesday, seizing some 50 pounds of marijuana and thousands of dollars in cash, officials said.

David Chavez Jr., the son of the dispensary owner, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a small amount of cocaine, officials said at a news conference. Both David Chavez Sr. and his son operate Nature's Medicinal Cooperative at 323 Roberts Lane.

Authorities also raided the Chavez residence in the 200 block of Montalvo Street.

There could be additional arrests in the case, according to Stephen Peterson, resident agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency in Bakersfield.

In addition to the 50 pounds of marijuana, several pounds of marijuana-laced candy and ice cream were seized, Peterson said. 
Pot-laced cookies, chocolate bars and peppermint patties in various colors of wrapping were on a table in a Sheriff's Department auditorium where a 2 p.m. news conference was held.

The dispensary was doing millions of dollars in business a year, Peterson said. Agents seized $50,000 in cash.

Although California law allows for medical marijuana dispensaries, possession of any amount of the drug is illegal under federal law.

Peterson said area law enforcement agencies participated to ensure the safety of the public.

"A uniformed presence is a huge plus for everyone's safety," Peterson said.

Bakersfield police Detective Greg Terry said the department is a part of federal task forces regarding narcotics and gangs and routinely cooperates with federal investigations.

NORML Protests

Douglas McAfee, president of the Bakersfield chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said he objected to local law enforcement cooperating with the DEA on marijuana busts.

He said local law enforcement should enforce California laws and not be used by the federal government.

"They're keeping medicine from patients that need it and they're keeping people in fear," McAfee said.

McAfee is organizing a march for noon Saturday at Beach Park on the right of Californians to receive medicinal marijuana. He said Tuesday's bust will be a focal point of the march.

The Scene

A man dressed all in black, including a mask, and carrying a semiautomatic weapon stood guard at the front of the dispensary 
Tuesday morning. A deputy was stationed at the side door.

More than 20 customers tried to enter the dispensary during a two-hour period, but none were granted access.

Rex Palmer made his way to the side door in a wheelchair and knocked, but no one answered. Palmer, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was there to fill his marijuana prescription.

"Apparently I'm not going in," Palmer said.

'Shut Them All Down'

Area resident Larry Satterfield was glad to see the dispensary get raided. He said there are people who legally get the marijuana from the dispensary but then sell it to friends.

The odor of marijuana is easily detected along the street at night, he said. Residents just walk up and down the street smoking it without fear of getting caught.

"They need to shut them all down," Satterfield said of local dispensaries.

Assisting the DEA were the Kern County Sheriff Patrol Division, the Sheriff's Major Violator Unit, the Bakersfield Police Department Major Violator Unit and the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit, according to a news release.

The dispensary could reopen.

"But be in mind we'll probably be back," Peterson said.

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Bakersfield: Agents Raid Dispensary - May 2, 2007

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