Pubdate: Thu, 27 Sep 2007
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 2007 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  http://www.mercurynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390
Author: Leslie Griffy
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Marijuana - California)

OAKLAND COMPANY RAIDED FOR ALLEGEDLY SELLING POT-LACED FOODS

Federal drug agents busted an Oakland company that allegedly
distributed pot-laced treats to medical marijuana clubs across the
state, officials said today.

Tainted Inc. made candy bars, energy drinks, barbecue sauce, peanut
butter and brownies laced with marijuana for sale at cannabis clubs as
far away as Amsterdam, according to a release from the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration.

DEA agents Wednesday searched Tainted's Oakland manufacturing plant,
seizing 460 marijuana plants, officials said.

Tainted's owner Michael Martin, 33, of El Sobrante, is considered a
federal fugitive in the case. Manager Jessica Sanders, 30, of San
Leandro faces 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Michael
Anderson, 42, and Diallo McLinn, 35, both of Oakland, face the same
punishment for their alleged roles as couriers for the company.

The DEA began it's investigation into Tainted two years ago when they
received a tip about the company, according to the release.

Prosecutors alleged that company started small - cooking marijuana
leaves into butter used for chocolate truffles - but expanded into
other products over time. Agents believe that during their two-year
investigation the company ordered four tons of chocolates for
production of illicit goods. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake