A package of cash shipped from Colorado to California triggered a three month investigation that culminated this week in the raid on a Mendocino medical marijuana dispensary and the arrests of nine people, Mendocino County Sheriff's officials said Thursday.
The amount of money was not revealed.
During the ensuing investigation, authorities intercepted a package of "marijuana products" being shipped out of state, said Sheriff's Capt. Greg Van Patten. He did not specify what the products were or where they were being shipped.
The shipments raised suspicion that that the Love In It Cooperative was conducting business for profit, Van Patten said. It remains illegal in California to profit from marijuana.
Authorities obtained warrants and searched the dispensary, located on Lansing Street, and on three residences, Van Patten said.
Among the items seized were packaged marijuana, pot-laced food products, 800 marijuana plants, five firearms including an assault rifle, and about $65,000 in cash.
Those arrested on a multitude of marijuana-related charges include local activist and performance artist Sherry Glaser, 53, the cooperative's executive director, according to its website.
Robert Love, 52, of Fort Bragg also was charged with possession of an assault rifle.
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