Oakland’s Oaksterdam University was taken over by federal officials Monday morning.
Officers wearing U.S. Marshals, IRS and DEA jackets swarmed the Oakland medical marijuana facility on Broadway before 8 a.m. Investigators put yellow crime tape around the entire building.
Just after 9 a.m. agents brought out trash bags of unknown materials to a waiting van.
WATCH LIVE VIDEO of the Oaksterdam University happening now:
The nearby Oaksterdam Museum was also being blocked off, according to NBC Bay Area’s Christie Smith, as was the Oaksterdam gift shop and the Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative.
In all, at least four locations were sealed off by the feds.
Oaksterdam is considered by many as the heart of California’s pot legalization movement.
Officials on the scene were not commenting on their purpose other than to say that it was part of “an ongoing investigation.” Internal Revenue Service spokeswoman Arlette Lee said that the investigation was under seal in a Northern District Court.
Oaksterdam is a cannabis college has been in business since 2007.
It was founded by Richard Lee, who was the main backer of the California ballot measure defeated in 2010 that would have legalized marijuana in the state for recreational use.
It’s website says it “provides students with the highest quality training for the cannabis industry. Our faculty is comprised of the most recognized names in the California cannabis legalization movement.”
Check back for updates.
Below is a special CNBC report on Oaksterdam.
– Article from NBC News.
UPDATE
Americans for Safe Access has confirmed: “RAID currently happening at Oaksterdam University – DEA and IRS. Please come show support, bring signs, get the word out. 1600 Broadway and 1776 Broadway Oakland!” Go to the ASA Facebook page for more.
