Investigators are searching for three men suspected of robbing a medical marijuana growing operation in the Columbia Falls area while impersonating federal drug agents.
Three men impersonating U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents entered a home in the 100 block of Toftum Lane about 2 p.m. Sunday and used zip-ties to restrain the 30-year-old man and the 39-year-old woman inside, according to Flathead County Undersheriff Pete Wingert.
The alleged victims told investigators that the men - who had black vests with the word "Police" stenciled on the back and were armed with semi-automatic handguns - flashed what appeared to be some type of badge or credentials.
The suspects, who reportedly wore black clothes but nothing over their faces, were not law enforcement officers of any kind, said Wingert, emphasizing that the Sheriff's Office takes cases involving officer impersonation very seriously.
After spending about 10 minutes on the property, the three suspects escaped with 27 mature marijuana plants, more than $1,000 in cash, a rifle and a derringer pistol, Wingert said.
Investigators are operating under the assumption that the grow operation's owner, who did not report the robbery until noon Monday, is a legitimate medical marijuana caregiver licensed by the state, Wingert said.
Medical marijuana was legalized in Montana in a 2004 referendum. Caregivers are allowed to grow no more than six plants or to possess no more than one ounce of usable marijuana per licensed patient and must register with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Citing confidentiality laws, department officials declined Wednesday to confirm whether the alleged victims of Sunday's robbery were licensed caregivers.
Medical marijuana - illegal under federal law - is classified by the U.S. Department of Justice as a Schedule I drug, which means it cannot be prescribed by any health-care professional. The Montana law only permits doctors to recommend medical marijuana for certain patients and allows patients and caregivers to grow it for private use.
When captured, the men responsible for the heist could face a slew of felony charges, including robbery, theft, drug possession, and impersonating a police officer, Wingert said.
The investigation is being conducted by the Flathead County Sheriff's Office Detective Division and the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force.
Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com
Baldour
For those who claim to be readers - you ought to try reading both the story and the law. 27 plants is not excessive depending upon the number od patients served. Additionally what part about impersonating law enforcement during a home invasion sounds cute and part of a "deal" gone bad. Let the SO do there job and save your judgement of others for church on Sunday.
whiterabbit
We all know the governments ship in cocaine (most recently 520 tons were seized in Central.A) . In third world countries and in our depressed economy how do the poor excel? R i g h t..selling drugs. In El Salvador the inmates run themselves as the guards secure only the perimeter. Legalize all substances, decrease court/prison expenditures and redistribute punitive dollars to positive programs to include counseling and food production, eh?
Baldour
I tried earlier to explain that the blooger's thius far are confusing facts with opinions. The 6 plant limit relates to individual patients. Despite person opiion about the victims in this case - Robbery by home invasion is still Robbery deserving of serious law enforcement attention.
Baldour
JBAB must also be for gun control.. In the pursut of legal activites, regardless of your opinion, law abiding citizens do have a right to bear arms under the U.S. consitution. According to the facts before use, the weapons stolen were neither illegal nor prohibited under other regulation. Unless I'm missing something here, JBAB seems to be upset about a law (MMJ) that came out of overwhelming support by initiative . Pure democracy at woek here not relying on legislative paralysis on such issues.
Baldour
PS JBAB ---- When did posession of US Currency become illegal. I realize that Big Brother wants to get a handle on all financial transactions, but around these parts government is really not invited evry where. Though I guess one could say if you've nothing to hide then why wouldn't you open your doors to government any time dayor night. Please!!!
kyzer
oh my isn't ingnorance bliss!!! Read the law before writing stupid dibble. I know the guy its a legal op.. Its six plants per patient so if he care gives for more than 1 patient there can be more than 6, idiots. I wouldn't be surprised if it really was DEA agents. Law enforcement agencies aren't very helpful and usually treat you the patient/caregiver like the criminal. Oh yeah you retards what about the part about them being tied up did the zip ties magically undo themselves once the robbers left the property. Its not illegal to own a gun in america the last time I checked. to be continued
kyzer
Hmm 3 guys making light of the HOME INVASION/ROBBERY. 3 guys committed the crime. I'm just saying, criminals like to brag and add humiliation.
Rob123
I really hope the 3 individuals are caught. And sadly, there are "some" DEA type cowboys who are so against pot for whatever reason that I wouldn't put it past some rogue officers operating without warrants or a clue to the 4th Amendment. The Blues Brothers "On a Mission from God" comes to mind, but without the humor. I hope not......Lets catch the dopes, whoever they are.