DENVER -- A suspected grower of medical marijuana is in federal custody, after federal drug enforcement agents raided a home in Highlands Ranch Friday night. The raid sent a message to all who are involved in the growing medical marijuana industry.

"Every time marijuana is distributed, it's in violation of federal law," said Jeff Sweetin, the DEA's special agent in charge of the rocky mountain region.

DEA agents busted suspected grower Chris Bartkowicz after he allegedly bragged to the media that as a medical marijuana caretaker his basement operation was bringing in $400,000 a year.

Under state medical marijuana law, that is legal. But federal law is a different story.

Sweetin said there are some cases in which they feel compelled to investigate.

"Clearly, the guidance provided by the attorney general identified people that are profiting by the sale in medical marijuana states are in violation and should be held accountable," said Sweetin.

"You have to consider where a lot of that money ends up going. It ends up fueling not just the guy who has the grow, but it ends up fueling organized crime that we're fighting hard to get rid of in this country," he said.

"It's good to see the DEA shut it down," said neighbor Todd Grundmeier.

While neighbors were happy to see the feds take action, the raid raised concern among medical marijuana business owners.

"Obama said the feds were going to leave us alone," said dispensary owner Flora Barron.

Barron is now worried about what would happen if her suppliers get shut down.

"I have a lot of cancer patients here," she said.

The DEA told 7NEWS they aren't targeting patients or dispensaries that are in compliance.

However, Sweetin warned, "I would be very cautious about opening a dispensary and distributing when you know you're violating federal law."

Bartkowicz remained in federal custody Saturday night. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office tells 7NEWS a prosecutor will get the case on Tuesday and will determine whether to file charges.

Bartkowicz could face a charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.