In a move that drew fire from medical marijuana advocates, federal authorities raided 26 medical marijuana dispensaries, saying they have probable cause to believe that the businesses are involved in large-scale trafficking. In a move that drew fire from medical marijuana advocates, federal authorities raided 26 medical marijuana dispensaries, saying they have probable cause to believe that the businesses are involved in large-scale trafficking.

The search warrants executed Monday are the culmination of an “18-month, multiagency investigation into the drug trafficking activities of criminal enterprises,” Michael Cotter, U.S. attorney for the District of Montana, said in a statement Tuesday.

In addition, he said, civil seizure warrants for financial institutions in the Montana cities Bof ozeman, Helena and Kalispell were executed, seeking up to $4 million. Authorities did not disclose items that were seized pending the filing of search warrant returns in federal court.

Probable cause exists to believe that the shops were involved in conspiring to manufacture and distribute marijuana and evade financial reporting requirements, authorities said. No criminal charges have been filed.

“When criminal networks violate federal laws, those involved will be prosecuted,” Cotter said in the statement. Individuals who are in compliance with state law are not the focus of the investigation, authorities said.

Items seized included marijuana plants, computers and cell phones, CNN affiliate KULR reported. In some instances, the station said, bank accounts were frozen.

Medical marijuana advocates cried foul.