Oakland Marijuana Grow Houses Linked To Mexico Cartel; 15 Arrested In Raids

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Ten marijuana grow houses in Oakland were raided, and at least 15 people were arrested this week in connection with operations that police say are linked to a Mexican drug cartel.

The Oakland Tribune reported that authorities seized hundreds of pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of nearly $4 million in the raids, and also confiscated growing equipment and materials, along with two assault rifles and a revolver.

Alameda County Narcotics Task Force members deployed flash-bang grenades to get into the homes. No injuries were reported.

Sheriff's Lt. Derrick Hesselein, the task force commander, says the organized grow operation is paying Mexican nationals to grow pot for the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.

Hesselein said the investigation began a month ago based on tips from the community.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

In:
• Marijuana
• Oakland