Pubdate: Fri, 03 May 2013
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2013 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.winnipegsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Kevin King
Page: 4

ONE JOKE OVER THE LINE?

There were no bongs like Donkey Kong, but drug paraphernalia with
Luigi and other licensed characters were seized when RCMP raided three
city businesses Wednesday.

The RCMP's Federal Enforcement Section (FES), with help from Winnipeg
police and Manitoba Finance, executed search warrants at retail
outlets of The Joint on St. Mary's Road, Pembina Highway and Marion
Street.

Police said at a news conference Thursday that the businesses had
merchandise containing images of or replicated copyright protected
images. Confiscated materials included those with images of The
Simpsons, Spider-Man, Star Wars and NHL teams.

No formal charges relating to the material have been laid. Police
continue to investigate under the Copyright Act.

One man was arrested during the search and faces a charge relating to
the trafficking of marijuana.

Police said they cleared upwards of 75% of merchandise off the stores'
shelves, with less than 10% relating to copyright infringement. The
remainder falls under the category of drug paraphernalia.

"These are specifically designed for marijuana," Cpl. John Montgomery
of the FES said. "So if you go into a tobacconist store, you won't see
any of these particular items."

Montgomery said RCMP have yet to put a dollar figure on the amount of
good seized. Punishment for dealing in counterfeit products could
include substantial fines and imprisonment for up to five years.
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MAP posted-by: Matt