Police impersonators rob marijuana growers

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