FEDS: POT RAIDS FOCUSED ON 'CRIMINAL NETWORKS'

Twenty-six search warrants were issued in Monday's raids on medical
marijuana businesses across Montana following an 18-month
investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement this
afternoon.

The warrants were based on "information discovered during the course
of ongoing investigations" that lasted 18 months, according to a press
release, which noted that no charges have been filed against any of
the businesses affected by the raids.

Along with medical marijuana businesses in Four Corners and Belgrade,
the release states searches were conduced in Big Sky, Billings,
Columbia Falls, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City,
Missoula, Olney and Whitefish.

The release stated that the businesses were suspected of violating
federal laws prohibiting the manufacturing of marijuana with the
intent to sell it. It did not make clear what distinguished the
businesses raided Monday from other medical marijuana operations
across the state, which have been operating since 2009 with the
understanding that the Obama administration was not interested in
prosecuting medical marijuana providers who comply with state law.

"Twenty-six search warrants were carried out yesterday where there is
probable cause that the premises were involved in illegal and
large-scale trafficking of marijuana. When criminal networks violate
federal laws those involved will be prosecuted," Michael W. Cotter,
U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, said in the release.

The release said that individuals with illnesses who are in "clear and
unambiguous compliance with state law are not the focus of this
investigation."

The release also notes that civil seizure warrants for banks in
Bozeman, Helena and Kalispell seeking up to $4 million were served on
Monday.