SAN FRANCISCO -- Hundreds of federal and state agents served search warrants throughout Humboldt County today, targeting a large commercial marijuana cultivation and distribution organization, authorities said.
The raids were at residences and marijuana-growing sites covering thousands of acres and were part of a two-year investigation initiated by the state Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.
About 450 agents from the narcotics bureau, the FBI and numerous other agencies served 29 search warrants in the communities of Eureka, Arcata, Redway and Garberville, and in Shelter Cove in neighboring Mendocino County.
No injuries were reported, and results of the searches have not been compiled. FBI spokesman Joe Schadler said he does not expect arrests today.
Officials said the raids did not involve legitimate medical marijuana clinics or growing operations, which are allowed under state law but not recognized by federal agencies.
"Medicinal marijuana is supposed to be medicine and not a large-scale business operation," said narcotics bureau spokeswoman Sara Simpson. "When large quantities of cash begin to change hands, crime and violence soon follow, and that will not be tolerated by law enforcement."
tim.reiterman@latimes.com
