Pubdate: Wed, 15 Sep 2004
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Steve Berry
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/kine+cafe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/donald+briere

DA KINE'S ALLEGED SUPPLIER COULD BE GOING BACK TO JAIL

Don Briere, the man who was allegedly supplying pot to the Da Kine
Smoke and Beverage Shop, could be heading back to prison.

Briere was arrested Sunday night and charged with possession of drugs
for the purpose of trafficking.

His daughter, Denise Briere, said her dad suffered what appears to be
a heart attack during the arrest. He was taken from hospital back to
the cells last night, Denise Briere said. The charges would mean
Briere has violated his parole and will be held in prison.

Briere was granted full parole on June 27, 2003, after being handed a
four-year sentence in October 2001 for running a series of grow-ops
and possession of restricted weapons.

Crown counsel said Briere was running the largest grow operation they
had ever seen in B.C. They estimated he laundered over $2 million,
much of it going into real estate.

National Parole Board documents obtained by The Province show that
Briere firmly believed that marijuana should be legalized and vowed to
campaign for its medical use. He showed no remorse for his criminal
activities.

In a December 2002 ruling granting Briere day parole, the parole board
wrote: "You were motivated to make money and were annoyed at the
justice system. You believe that marijuana should be legalized, that
the Charter of Rights has been violated, taxes are too high and that
the government mismanages money. Your political opinions allow you to
rationalize your criminal behaviour. You have no remorse for your
criminal convictions."

Briere's picture appeared in a TV ad in February 2003 promoting a
seminar on the use of medical pot. A story also appeared on the web
saying he was going to open a chain of marijuana cafes. In both cases,
the board thought he was acting within his Charter rights.

Briere's case-management team was against him receiving full parole,
saying he was still at risk of offending. But the board believed he
would not go back to his criminal ways.

"Though you continue to support the legalization of marijuana, you are
clear in the expression of your intent to avoid illegal activity," the
board wrote.

The board noted that Briere's wife had filed for divorce, he was
apparently broke and his health was "deteriorating." The board imposed
conditions on his parole, stating he could not use drugs and could not
"associate with anyone involved in gang activities, substance abuse,
the drug trade and/or other criminal activities."

Briere founded the Canadian Sanctuary Society in August 2001 along
with four others including his daughter, Colleen Denise Briere Smart.
Smart is listed as the sole director of the Commercial Drive smoke
shop.

Donald Briere said the Sanctuary Society would help people legally
obtain pot for medical purposes.

Da Kine owner Carol Gwilt has stated that the shop grants space to the
society. She said the cafe sells dope only to people over 18 years old
and who apply for a federal exemption allowing them to use pot for
medical reasons.

The cafe was raided by Vancouver police last Thursday. Gwilt and seven
employees were arrested and charged with drug offences.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin