US authorities take actions against marijuana stores in LA County

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-6-12 14:05:38

US federal authorities took actions on Tuesday against 103 illegal marijuana stores across Los Angeles County, the largest move targeting the commercial marijuana industry in California.

According to the US Attorney's Office, the actions involved all known marijuana stores in the region. Out of the 103 targeted storefronts, federal authorities sent warning letters to 28 stores in Long Beach, 71 in Los Angeles, and four in the Antelope Valley.

Two of the stores in Long Beach are housed in buildings which are the subject of asset forfeiture lawsuits filed Tuesday in the US District Court.

Tuesday's enforcement actions in Los Angeles County follow similar activities across the seven-county Central District of California, the Attorney's Office said.

In October 2011, the four US Attorneys in California announced coordinated enforcement actions targeting illegal marijuana cultivation and trafficking. Prosecutors began filing asset forfeiture lawsuits and sending letters to marijuana operations in selected areas of the Central District of California.

"Marijuana dispensaries have posed significant challenges to the City of Long Beach. We always welcome the opportunity to partner with federal authorities in an effort to address these illegal operations that affect the quality of life in our community," Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell said.

In February 2012, Long Beach enacted an ordinance banning marijuana stores in the city.

On Tuesday afternoon, prosecutors filed two asset forfeiture lawsuits against properties in the city where marijuana stores are operating. It is alleged that their owners knowingly allowed commercial marijuana stores to operate.

In conjunction with filing asset forfeiture complaints, the Attorney's Office also mailed out warning letters to property owners and operators of 26 additional stores in the area, giving them 14 days to come into compliance with federal law or risk potential civil or criminal actions.

The Attorney's Office said federal enforcement actions have now targeted more than 625 illegal marijuana businesses in the Central District of California, including Tuesday's efforts.

The majority of those businesses previously targeted are now closed, or have been the subject of eviction proceedings by landlords or additional federal actions.

California has a legislation to allow medical use of marijuana, but regardless of state laws, there is no such a thing as "medical" marijuana under US federal law. Marijuana continues to be a substance that has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Posted in: Americas

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