Police seized nearly 3,000 pounds of marijuana from a Southeast Portland warehouse suspected of illegally processing hundreds of harvested pot plants, authorities said Tuesday.

The Portland Police Bureau's Drugs and Vice Division began an investigation into the operation taking place on the 6000 block of Southeast 111th Avenue after receiving an anonymous tip, Sgt. Chris Burley, a bureau spokesman, said in a news release.

Investigators on Friday found 16 people working inside the large warehouse, which contained 500 mature marijuana plants weighing 2,998 pounds, the statement said.

According to police, documents provided by those associated with the operation showed the marijuana was being grown for five patients under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program — which would amount to about 100 plants and 600 pounds of cannabis for each patient.

Under Oregon's medical marijuana law, a grower is allowed to cultivate six mature plants for each patient.

The individuals also claimed they were obtaining a license to sell recreational marijuana through the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, though no license had been granted, police said.

Police made no arrests but seized the entire marijuana haul inside the warehouse, Burley said. The case is being reviewed by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh

skavanaugh@oregonian.com

503-294-7632 II @shanedkavanaugh