Medical Marijuana Raid in Seattle

I've received word over email that there was a police raid of an office in the University District of Seattle that does work supporting medical marijuana patients. The office is used by Cascadia NORML and Lifevine. No one was arrested, but files and medicine were allegedly taken by the police. This is the first King County raid on medical marijuana patients that I've seen recently, and people are being encouraged to call King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg's office at 206-296-9000. Satterberg has been known to be an ally of medical marijuana patients, so this comes as a bit of a surprise. I'll be updating this throughout the day Wednesday as I learn more.

UPDATE: Satterberg's office does not open until 8:30. According to a follow-up email, 600 patient files and twelve ounces of medicine were allegedly taken.

UPDATE 2: The raid was conducted by the Seattle Police Department, which means that they were likely in violation of I-75, which requires that adult marijuana use be the lowest priority of law enforcement. This is particularly relevant considering that after the murder of James Paroline in South Seattle, residents have been complaining that their neighborhood doesn't have enough police.

UPDATE 3: I spoke with someone in Dan Satterberg's office and they said they've been getting calls about this, but haven't heard anything else from police.

UPDATE 4: Another person from Satterberg's office called me. I asked how the raid could have been in compliance with I-75 and whether or not the raided office should have been shielded by our state's existing medical marijuana laws. He said he will get back to me.

UPDATE 5: I'll be attempting to contact Leo Poort to see if he can provide any more information about this incident.

UDPATE 6: The following email was sent to Mr. Poort:

I wanted to contact you about the raid that took place yesterday on a medical marijuana facility in the University District yesterday. I know several of the people involved with the facility, and I'm baffled as to how they could have been targeted. They are individuals who I've known to be very earnest in their efforts to remain within the framework of the state's medical marijuana regulations. Can you tell me why they were targeted, how they were able to obtain a warrant, and why officers felt that it was necessary for them to remove files and medicine? Also, can you please shed some light on how this action comports with Seattle's law requiring that adult marijuana use (even non-medicinal) be considered the lowest priority for law enforcement?

UPDATE 7: One of the people who at the raid claims the cops notified him that they were sent by the King County Prosecuting Attorney's office. I still can't confirm that this is true.

UPDATE 8: KUOW will be discussing the raid at 1PM.

UPDATE 9: Dominic Holden has more information at Slog and also wonders if this violates I-75.

UPDATE 10: Gene Johnson at the AP files a report:

The patient files were at the office because the group issues identity cards to authorized patients, but requires their records for verification.

Medical marijuana attorney Douglas Hiatt said the records are protected under federal privacy laws and the police shouldn't have them. The police department did not immediately return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

The police aren't talking to Dominic either.