The Drug Enforcement Administration yesterday executed search warrants on three medical marijuana dispensaries, and 20 other residences, businesses and growing sites, leading to multiple arrests.

We will not turn a blind eye to serious and flagrant disregard of federal law. There may be those who think we can disregard the court and Congress. DEA will not be among them. — Gordon Taylor, assistant special agent in charge, Sacramento office, Drug Enforcement Administration

The DEA claims the three dispensaries were merely fronts for international drug dealing and money laundering operations and accused Vince Ming Wan, 33, of San Francisco, of running the operation, and that the other searches and arrests were related.

U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Ryan stated that the investigation had been ongoing for two years. “We’re not talking about ill people who may be using marijuana,” Mr. Ryan said. “We’re talking about a criminal enterprise engaged in the widespread distribution of large amounts — millions of dollars, if you base it on historical evidence — of marijuana and other drugs, and money laundering their proceeds from these activities.”

See New York Times coverage and more New York Times coverage, or San Francisco Chronicle coverage.

Aside: Wasn’t it called the “Drug Enforcement Agency” at one time, or is my memory failing me?