BANGOR, Maine — The federal government alleges it brought down what it says was an illegal marijuana operation disguised as a legal medical cannabis business, as the long-awaited trial of Lucas and Robert Sirois began Wednesday in Bangor.

Federal prosecutors allege Lucas Sirois led a multimillion-dollar scheme to grow and distribute marijuana illegally across western Maine, while presenting the operation as compliant with medical marijuana laws. His father, Robert Sirois, is also charged in the case, which stems from a 2021 indictment involving 13 people, including local law enforcement and elected officials.

Defense attorneys pushed back, saying the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wrongfully seized legal hemp, not marijuana, during their raids. Attorney Eric Postow argued in court

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