Pubdate: Fri, 17 Sep 2004
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Krisendra Bisetty, Vancouver Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

POLICE ARREST POT SHOP'S OWNER FOR BREACHING BAIL

VANCOUVER - Carol Gwilt, owner of the controversial Commercial Drive
shop Da Kine Food and Beverage, where marijuana is sold, was
re-arrested on Thursday afternoon on a charge of breaching her bail
conditions.

She was arrested without incident in a vehicle on Commercial Drive and
taken into custody. She is due to appear in provincial court today,
said Const. Sarah Bloor, spokeswoman for the Vancouver police department.

Da Kine caught the attention of police after media reports of
over-the-counter sales of marijuana. Police raided the shop on Sept. 9
and arrested Gwilt and seven employees on charges of possessing
marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Gwilt was also charged with
possessing proceeds from a crime.

After spending a night in jail, she and the others were released from
custody, pending a further appearance on Oct. 6, on the condition they
stay away from marijuana or any premises, automobile, or person where
marijuana is present.

At the time, provincial court Judge William Kitchen remarked it was
"silly" for them to remain in custody and added that marijuana-related
cases were "not the most dangerous offences".

However, Kitchen warned they could go to jail if caught
again.

Gwilt was back at Da Kine soon after her release and in an interview
with The Vancouver Sun outside the shop on Friday, she vowed that her
business would remain open and continue selling marijuana to people
who use it for medicinal purposes.

Bloor said on Thursday the file on Da Kine was still
active.

"There are still drug trafficking activities inside the the cafe," she
said, adding that more information on the arrest, and whether Gwilt
could face further charges, would be released today.
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MAP posted-by: Derek