6 Charged In Federal Crackdown On California Pot Shops

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Six people are facing federal drug conspiracy and possession charges in Southern California for their role in a trio of medical marijuana dispensaries ordered to be shut down by the government last year.

Federal prosecutors said Thursday six people have been arrested and indicted in connection with three retails stores in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that sold medical marijuana.

In October, California's four U.S. attorneys announced they would crack down on illegal pot shops, arguing they violate federal drug laws. Hundreds of dispensaries have closed because of evictions or fears of prosecution.

Authorities say the G3 Holistic clinics received warning letters about eight months ago, but one remained open.

Federal prosecutors believe pot suppliers are using California's 1996 medical marijuana law as a cover for making huge profits.

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