Pubdate: Thu, 11 Oct 2012
Source: Grunion Gazette (Long Beach, CA)
Copyright: 2012 Grunion Gazette
Contact:  http://www.gazettes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3434
Author: Jonathan Van Dyke

SEVEN MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES SHUT DOWN BY POLICE OPERATION

Law enforcement officials Wednesday raided and shut down seven
different medical marijuana dispensaries that were operating illegally
in the city.

According to officials, the seven dispensaries were chosen based on
the most total number of community complaints that the Long Beach
Police Department had received. The LBPD, Drug Enforcement
Administration, State of California Franchise Tax Board, Long Beach
Fire Department and Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
conducted the joint operation. Dispensaries and large-scale
cultivation sites have been banned in the city since Aug. 12.

Marijuana plants, processed marijuana, currency and other evidence
were seized during the operation. Law enforcement officials arrested
more than 40 individuals for owning or operating a marijuana dispensary.

Officials said that each of these businesses will be forwarded to the
Business Licensing Section for review. Three of the seven locations
were given a special red-tag designation by the LBFD for posing
immediate life-safety hazards -- anyone caught entering those three
locations will be arrested for trespassing.

There originally was an eighth location, 301 Atlantic Ave., but
investigators said they received a tip that the operators of that
dispensary had vacated the building and relocated.

The dispensaries that were shut down were located at:

* 2130 Cowles St. (Natural Solutions Dispensary) and
red-tagged

* 1581 W. Wardlow Rd. (Herbal Solutions) and red-tagged

* 1735 E. Seventh St. (Long Beach Green Room) and red-tagged

* 745 E. Fourth St. (LBNS)

* 2508 E. 10th St. (35 CAP CLBC Marijuana Dispensary)

* 3748 Atlantic Ave. (Green Earth Center)

* 5115 Atlantic Ave. (One Source Discount Caregivers)

LBPD officials said they are strongly urging the remaining
dispensaries that are illegally operating in the city to voluntarily
cease operations. There will be future operations against those who do
not cease business.

Any residents who wish to contact the LBPD Narcotics Section about an
illegally operating dispensary can call 570-7221. Anonymous tips can
be left through www.tipsoft.com .
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt