UPDATE: DEA RAIDS NEW REMEDIES AT EIGHT LOCATIONS

Note that despite the sensational heading on this story, only one
facility, New Remedies, was targeted. This was hardly a huge
surprise, given that they were the only surviving spinoff of
Compassionate Caregivers, which has been under investigation ever
since their LA outlet was busted in May, 2005. They had an
impressive array of products, and will be sorely missed by their
loyal clientele. They were a victim of their own success, too large
not to attract adverse attention from the feds. It is a shame to see
them wasted by the federal juggernaut.
There are no indications that this was part of a larger DEA
sweep. Nonetheless, there have been a few other reported sitings of
DEA agents and informants around the Bay Area dispensary scene
recently. A team of DEA agents in a white Dodge van with dark
windows was seen photographing an SF dispensary the other day. It
would be foolish to assume that this is the last DEA medical
marijuana bust.
- D. Gieringer, Cal NORML

Webpage:
http://cbs5.com/localwire/localfsnews/bcn/2006/10/03/n/HeadlineNews/MARIJUANA-RAIDS/resources_bcn_html
Pubdate: 03 Oct 2006
Source: Bay City News Wire
Copyright: 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc.

UPDATE: FEDS RAID EIGHT MEDICAL MARIJUANA LOCATIONS

Federal authorities raided eight different Bay Area locations today
associated with growing, prescribing and dispensing medical marijuana,
according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Drug enforcement agents and federal police seized 12,743 plants, more than
$125,000 in cash, cars, computers and manicured marijuana from at least
eight locations, five in San Francisco and three in Oakland, all
associated with New Remedies Cooperative and Potent Employment Solutions.

Sparky Rose, the executive director of the organizations, was one of 15
people arrested. All are expected to be arraigned Wednesday in federal
court.

The raids were a collaborated effort by at least three different federal
agencies. The sheriff's offices of both Mendocino and Santa Clara counties
also helped in the investigation, which culminated in the raid of
dispensaries, grow sites, at least one personal residence, administrative
offices and a storage area.

At 1760 Mission St., federal police and drug enforcement agents boxed up
marijuana and hashish inside a medical-marijuana dispensary that also
served as a grow site.

The raid started at noon and went on for an hour as federal agents used a
sledgehammer to pound open two automated teller machines inside the front
office.

U.S. Attorney Kevin Ryan was at the scene but left around 12:30 p.m. DEA
Special Agent in Charge Javier Pena said at the time that the raid was
part of a "large-scale trafficking" operation and part of an ongoing
investigation.

Outside, at least 20 protesters marched with colorful signs and chanted,
"DEA, go away" and "patients rights."

Shona Gochenaur, executive director of Axis of Love San Francisco, said
several of the people arrested were patients.

"This is despicable and atrocious," Gochenaur said. "I saw them take out
an elderly man who was shaking."

Three San Francisco police officers and a sergeant were at the scene of
the Mission Street raid to provide a "safety zone" for the federal agents.

Several blocks away in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, another operation
was also underway at 790 Tennessee St. Federal agents were inside the
warehouse until at least 2 p.m.

Also in Oakland at least two people were taken away in handcuffs from an
administrative office located at 1710 Franklin, According to Dolphin, who
also said all three locations were affiliated with New Remedies, which was
formerly known as Compassionate Caregivers.

DEA spokeswoman Casey McEnry said she did not know of any patients under
arrest. She also said the search warrants are sealed and she could not
release any more information on specific locations targeted.

Javier Pena, who directed the raid, said the people arrested today are
nothing but drug dealers, in the business to make money.

"Federal drug laws prohibit the cultivation and sale of marijuana." Pena
said in a statement. "Anyone who breaks these laws to run a lucrative drug
trade, buy fancy cars, boost their bank accounts, and exploit vulnerable
citizens is not compassionate, they're criminal."

-----
Doug McVay
Director of Research, Common Sense for Drug Policy
Editor, Drug War Facts
http://www.csdp.org -- http://www.drugwarfacts.org -- http://www.drugwardistortions.org
717-299-0600 - cel 717-940-2154
dmcvay [at] csdp.org