Raids Target Mexico Drug Cartel's Oakland Pot Grow Houses
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities have raided 10 California marijuana grow houses and arrested at least 15 people in connection with operations that police say are linked to a major Mexican drug cartel.
The Oakland Tribune reported Thursday that authorities seized hundreds of pounds of marijuana in Oakland with an estimated street value of nearly $4 million.
They also confiscated growing equipment and materials, along with two assault rifles and a revolver, the newspaper reported.
Alameda County Narcotics Task Force members used flash-bang grenades to get into the homes. No injuries were reported.
Sheriff's Lt. Derrick Hesselein, the task force commander, says the organized 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.
Medical marijuana is legal in California.
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