RAIDS TARGET VAST POT-GROWING NETWORK IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Searches Continue in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties After
Authorities Seize $60 Million in Plants and $160,000 in Cash.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Raids this week on a massive commercial marijuana
operation with indoor growing facilities and thousands of acres in
Northern California's pot belt have netted 10,000 plants worth up to
$60 million, $160,000 in cash and 30 firearms, authorities reported Wednesday.

A force of 450 officers from numerous agencies Tuesday served dozens
of search warrants. Officials said Wednesday they still were
searching almost 2,000 acres in Humboldt and Mendocino counties that
belonged to the targets of the 2-year-old investigation.

Authorities arrested one man who allegedly assaulted a federal agent
serving a warrant.

The state Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement began the probe in early
2006, officials said, after a California-based organization bought a
large parcel of mountainous land. Authorities suspected that people
associated with the group were growing marijuana in buildings and
greenhouses and then selling it.

Tuesday's raids also focused on numerous residences and growing
houses in Humboldt County.

"This is not a medical marijuana operation or a group of people
growing for personal use," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Charlene
B. Thornton. "The targets . . . are reaping huge profits while
contributing to the crime and violence oppressing communities across
the state."