Federal and local authorities raided the marijuana farm on the XL Rancheria in California on July 8, 2015. Photo by Bruce Brown / Facebook
The disputed leader of the Alturas Rancheria of California is blaming his sister for a federal raid of the tribe's marijuana operation. Phillip Del Rosa claims to be chairman of the tribe, which has anywhere from three to seven members depending on who you ask. His sister, Wendy Del Rosa, does not recognize his title and she urged authorities to shut down the farm. "She's refused to take part in any tribal affairs for almost a year," Phillip told KRCR, referring to his sister. "We know what she told authorities, and every single thing she told them was completely inaccurate." According to an affidavit filed in federal court, Phillip Del Rosa started the farm with the help of Jerry Montour, a Native entrepreneur from Canada. Montour has not confirmed his involvement. Authorities also raided a separate marijuana operation on the XL Rancheria, a reservation that is home to the Pit River Tribe. There was no concrete information in the affidavit that suggested Montour was involved with that farm. More than 12,000 marijuana plants and more than 100 pounds of processed marijuana were seized from the two reservations. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California has not arrested anyone or filed charges against anyone, however. Get the Story:
Tribal leaders disappointed with federal raid (KRCR 7/15)
Grand River Enterprises boss linked to massive native grow op in U.S. (The Hamilton Spectator 7/16) A Question:
Whatup. I heard a tribe in California got raided. I thought Native American tribes were allowed to grow weed? (The Chico News-Review 7/16) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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