Local Law Enforcement assist FBI, DEA & IRS in raid

[cousinkix1953]

Another plan that was proposed for an agency I do labor work for was pretty wild. The city proposed growing mj on city property, using city employees, etc. Part of the proposal included having city cops handle or at least oversee security of the grow facilities. So, under color of authority and within the scope and course of official duties, Officer Joe Friday would be, essentially, a guard for a pot farm. Picture this: the feds decide to raid said pot farm and confront the hapless city policeman Officer Friday guarding same.

It's all schizophrenic. Pass me that joint.

Ed Rosenthal was paid to grow marijuana for the city of Oakland on city owned property. The DEA busted hims and the US Attorney went through three trials until he got the conviction that he wanted. The judge wasn't impressed with this witch hunt. The dope farmer was sentenced to one day in jail and given credit for the time already served.

Rosenthal was operating under the orders of the mayor, city council and police chief. Nobody else was charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana or arrested for selling dope. Something stinks in Oakland!

[Rally Dave]

Although enforcing Federal laws are not the primary focus of local law enforcement, we can enforce any federal law in the US, along with sate and local ordinances.

OK, but what if the State / local law is different from the federal law (as in the case of medical marijuana)??

[cousinkix1953]

No not really. Vendors who "donate" to dispensaries get about $2200-$3900 per pound. If they do that they lose money, If they cut the middle-man and decide to grow and sell to the consumers they will make 6k-9k per pound. But most places grow their own now.

Those morons over in Santa Cruz were caught shipping medical marijuana across state lines. They shipped it to some states which don't even have a medical marijuana law on the books. A surfer dude shipped his weed to New Jersey with UPS and got turned in to the sheriff's office. One of those activist groups was sending their merchandise in the US Mail...

[SoCalDep]

I read somewhere (cbs2 dot com I think) that the warrants were CA state warrants...

[Ron-Solo]

OK, but what if the State / local law is different from the federal law (as in the case of medical marijuana)??

Like I said, we can enforce federal laws.

FWIW, every "medical marijuana" individual I've encountered has been nothing more than a stoner who managed to get a note from a stoner doctor. I have yet to encounter a real patient. maybe someday

[Shane916]

Like I said, we can enforce federal laws.

FWIW, every "medical marijuana" individual I've encountered has been nothing more than a stoner who managed to get a note from a stoner doctor. I have yet to encounter a real patient. maybe someday

Precisely my observation as well. They apparently don't care about legal prescriptions of medication designed to deal with pain. They still use marijuana which reduces the efficiency of your immune system and increases the problems of respiratory infection and cancer (when smoked of course).

[Rally Dave]

Like I said, we can enforce federal laws.

So let me get this straight. Even though you may work for a city / county or state that says "X" is ok, but "X" on the federal level is NOT ok, you can still enforce the federal law? I would think that since you are employed by the city / county or state you would need to follow those rules first. This is surprising to me.

FWIW, every "medical marijuana" individual I've encountered has been nothing more than a stoner who managed to get a note from a stoner doctor. I have yet to encounter a real patient. maybe someday

Yeah, I have seen a fair share of stoner dudes with medical marijuana cards, but I have seen real F'ed up people who use medical marijuana too.

[deb7566]

I live in L.A. and in my little neighborhood we have 5 marijuana dispensaries, there are over 800 total in the city. Most if them were opened under a hardship loop hole in the law. One of them is next to a skateboard shop, another is across the street from a high school. While most people recognize the need for medical marijuana, they don't want it sold in their neighborhoods or to their kids. There has been enormous pressure put on the City Council, the City Attorney, and the LAPD by the Homeowners Groups, Neighborhood Watch Groups, and Neighborhood Councils to shut these places down.

[Rally Dave]

^^Are these shops selling to High School kids or people with out prescriptions? If so they should be shut down ASAP.

On the flip side, I don't look at dispensaries any different than a Liquor store. You can't buy from either one unless you follow the law. IE: Must be over 21 w/ state issued ID for verification or you must have seen a Doctor and have a prescription.

[Ron-Solo]

So let me get this straight. Even though you may work for a city / county or state that says "X" is ok, but "X" on the federal level is NOT ok, you can still enforce the federal law? I would think that since you are employed by the city / county or state you would need to follow those rules first. This is surprising to me.

Like I said, we can, but politically it's not always the best course of action. Politics and police work don't mix.

There's a lot of things we CAN do, but don't HAVE to do. That's the discreationay element of law enforcement where we try to apply common sense.

[1911su16b870]

^^Are these shops selling to High School kids or people with out prescriptions? If so they should be shut down ASAP...

HS kids are getting MJ from their "medical MJ" cards and scripts. Then they take it with them everywhere they go and pass it back to other kids to hit on...Rx MJ is a total sham!

[strangerdude]

HS kids are getting MJ from their "medical MJ" cards and scripts. Then they take it with them everywhere they go and pass it back to other kids to hit on...Rx MJ is a total sham!

NO they don't. When you go to a dispensary for the first time you need a CA driver's license with your Dr. recommendation and the Dr.'s office Is contacted so they patient can be verified. I worked security for one of these, you obviously do not know how the process works. Yes some people do buy for friends but that's out of the dispensaries control.

[OC Gun]

Yep, the couple I worked for are millionaires. They wouldn't even pay me overtime and they fired me because they knew I was not going to let them walk all over me. I requested to be compensated for all my OT, they said no. Now I'm talking with the DEA, I know all the commercial buildings they have grows at so I just can't wait to see their faces when they know It was me.

I am almost certain this is called being an informant of some sort. Although I understand why you are doing it and part of me agrees with you.
However, you might want to keep this kind of thing to yourself next time as I do not think any Fed Agency would approve of you posting info on public forums in regards to the case. I mean this with much respect to you.

Just in case....if you have proof such as timesheet, pay stubs, etc you might want to file a claim with the EEO Department to see if you can be compensated for your OT which may include additional money for time wasted and interest for money owed.

Just my .02 cents.

[oddjob]

Local agencies

Another use is that the locals show up with the intent of a uniformed appearence. This way the intended subject sees the cops are there. I know all about "raid gear", but the presence of a marked unit/officer in uniform makes some agencies/non sworn citizens/local city lawyers feel better. Remember, the presence of a local LEO does not mean he/she is "enforcing" the law. They may just be there for transportation purposes, assist due to lack of man power, or just uniform "presence".

[anthonyca]

And what millionaire can't afford a few thousand $$$ to have you killed for being a ratfink? It wouldn't be the first time either...

Even if they don't there may be an associate or business partner who is making big money off this deal who takes it upon themselves to off someone who could get them locked up. Hell even putting a stop to the gravy train is enough to get someone killed.

I hope you are safe. I would not be posting about potentially bringing down a couple millionaires.

Greed gets to people just as it may get these two put away and it all stems from not wanting to pay overtime. A few bucks when they are making millions. People are too much.