Pubdate: Fri, 22 Nov 2013
Source: Virgin Islands Daily News, The (VI)
Copyright: 2013 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3486

DENVER POT BUSINESSES RAIDED AHEAD OF LEGAL SALES

DENVER (AP) - Federal agents raided an unknown number of marijuana 
dispensaries and growing sites on Thursday in Colorado, confiscating 
piles of marijuana plants and cartons of cannabis infused drinks just 
weeks before the state allows sellers of recreational marijuana to 
open their doors.

The action appeared to send a message that federal authorities would 
be keeping a close watch on the industry as a state law legalizing 
pot is implemented.

The raids, conducted on a frigid, snowy morning, were the first in 
Colorado since the U.S. Department of Justice said in August that it 
wouldn't interfere with state marijuana laws as long as the drug is 
kept away from children, the black market and other states, among 
other guidelines.

In a statement, the U. S. Attorney's Office in Denver said the 
criminal investigations unit of the Internal Revenue Service, the 
federal Drug Enforcement Administration and Denver authorities were 
involved in executing the sealed search and seizure warrants.

The raided businesses were suspected of violating more than one of 
the eight guidelines issued by the Justice Department.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom