Pubdate: Tue, 24 Jun 2014
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Emily Jackson
Page: 3

VANCOUVER POLICE SEARCH MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

The Vancouver police drug squad is taking steps to shut down an East 
Vancouver marijuana dispensary that police feel is operating in an 
"unsafe" manner.

Officers searched Weeds Glass and Gifts at 2580 Kingsway on Monday 
morning with a search warrant obtained as part of an ongoing drug 
investigation.

Police will be recommending charges and may recommend seizing some of 
the property under civil forfeiture laws, according to a statement.

And based on the statement, other dispensaries should be on their toes.

"These dispensaries are illegal and the Vancouver police department 
will initiate investigations on a priority basis," drug squad Insp. 
Mike Serr said.

"Dispensaries that are operating in a manner that causes concern for 
public safety will become a priority."

Serr's words mark a departure from the police department's typical 
attitude toward dispensaries. They are usually investigated only 
after someone makes a complaint.

"For the most part, medical marijuana dispensaries operating today in 
Vancouver do not meet these criteria," according to a police statement.

But the statement noted police have taken action against dispensaries 
in the past and would again if there were threats to public safety.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom