Pubdate: Thu, 16 Mar 2006
Source: Bakersfield Californian, The (CA)
Copyright: 2006 The Bakersfield Californian
Contact:  http://www.bakersfield.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/36

TWELVE ARRESTED IN ALLEGED POT CANDY OPERATION

Federal drug agents arrested 12 people Thursday in connection with a 
marijuana candy operation, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Agents seized four indoor marijuana growing operations, between 4,000 
and 5,000 marijuana plants, $100,000 in cash, three weapons and 
hundreds of marijuana-laced candy and soft drinks, according to the 
Drug Enforcement Administration.

The raids were conducted at four warehouses in Emeryville and 
Oakland, as well as a Lafayette home, Justice Department spokeswoman 
Casey McEnry said.

The investigation began last October when the DEA received a tip that 
a Lafayette man was running Beyond Bomb, a marijuana candy 
manufacturer in Oakland. The candy and soft drinks mimic real sweets 
with names like Stoney Ranchers, Rasta Reece's, Buddafingers and Pot Tarts.

The group, whose names have not yet been released, were being held 
Thursday on charges of marijuana cultivation and distribution, McEnry 
said. Their initial court appearances were scheduled for Friday in 
San Francisco, she said.

The case was investigated by federal agents along with police in 
Richmond, Oakland, Lafayette and two county narcotics enforcement teams.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman