SANTA BARBARA – Federal and local authorities are cracking down on marijuana storefronts on the South Coast.
Two marijuana collectives, homes of the suspected operators and an indoor marijuana farm were raided in what the US Attorney's Office called, "actions against the commercial marijuana industry."
"These were operations that were not only illegal federally but were also violating California state law," said Sgt. Harwood, Santa Barbara Police Department.
The two-day federal operation took place under the supervision of the US Attorney's office, with the help of the Santa Barbara Police Department, DEA and IRS.
On Thursday morning, law enforcement served a search warrant at an indoor marijuana farm on the 300 block of Haley Street.
The Pacific Coast Collective in Santa Barbara and Miramar Collective in Summerland were also raided.
The Pacific Coast Collective on Milpas Street put signs on the windows and doors stating it will be closed until further notice.
"Essentially what they were doing is operating as a retail membership operation making retail sales to people and also purchasing from wholesale vendors, large quantities of bulk marijuana outside of the region," said Sgt. Harwood.
Now all marijuana storefronts in the county are subject to federal charges. Ten property owners and operators have already received cease and desist letters.
The Central Coast wasn't the only area to be targeted for the crack down. Prosecutors began filing asset forfeiture lawsuits and sending letters to marijuana operators in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties.
