Pubdate: Fri, 05 Aug 2005
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Copyright: Metro 2005
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Jeff Hodson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Marc+Emery (Emery, Marc)

POLICE REFUTE EMERY CRITICISM

Seed Business Piques Attention

The Vancouver Police Department takes exception with accusations that
they haven't done anything with regards to recently bailed
marijuana-activist Marc Emery.

"(Emery) has been charged numerous times in Canada and in Vancouver
for similar type offences. He has been investigated and charged in
excess of five times," said Vancouver Police Department (VPD)
spokesman Howard Chow, reacting to criticism that VPD had acquiesced
on Emery's seed distribution business.

"It hasn't been a case where we haven't done anything. This
information came to us from the DEA. The investigators felt it was
very substantive information, very good information, and worthy of
their own investigation."

Emery, the head of the B.C. Marijuana Party (BCMP), was granted bail
on Tuesday. The U.S. wants to extradite him to face charges in
relation to his marijuana seed distribution business.

On the same day that he was arrested in Halifax (July 29) VPD raided
Emery's bookstore at 307 W. Hastings. The bookstore also doubles as
the BCMP headquarters, the home of Cannabis Culture magazine and PotTV
internet site.

Chow said the marijuana issue is before the courts and is a highly
charged political debate. He says it is a fray that the VPD does not
want to wade into and potentially sway the public debate.

Asked why open marijuana smoking was allowed to continue in
establishments near Emery's store, Chow said the issue was much larger
than simple possession.

"I don't think the issue around Emery is about sitting in a store
smoking pot. Nor is it about recreational drugs. It's about a person
that has been charged with trafficking -- something much more serious." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake