Pubdate: Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Source: Alberni Valley News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Alberni Valley News
Contact:  http://www.albernivalleynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4247

RCMP RAID SECOND POT SHOP

Port Alberni RCMP arrested four Port Alberni residents at the Port
Alberni Cannabis Club on Bute Street on Thursday, Sept. 22. This is
the second search warrant the RCMP have executed at a marijuana
dispensary in Port Alberni this month. West Side Alternatives on Athol
Street was raided by RCMP on Sept. 16.

Five individuals were charged and are awaiting their December trial
date.

On Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m., members of the Port Alberni RCMP General
Investigation Section entered The Cannabis Club under the authority of
a search warrant issued by a provincial court judge.  According to
City of Port Alberni planner Scott Smith, the dispensary didn't have a
licence.

Port Alberni became the second city in Canada to regulate storefront
marijuana dispensaries earlier this year.

Over the past three months Port Alberni police received numerous
complaints related to incidents of drug trafficking and disturbances
occuring at the Cannabis Club marijuana dispensary located at 4824
Bute St., according to an RCMP press release.

The RCMP launched an investigation into the activities at the
dispensary.

Police observed people from the establishment openly selling drugs to
motorists on the street in front of the building.

In addition to the drug trafficking activities, police also observed
people smoking marijuana directly in front of the building.

After searching the Cannabis Club, police seized evidence related to
the trafficking of marijuana as well as a prohibited conducted energy
weapon.

All individuals arrested have been released with three of them to
appear in court on December 21, 2016.

Port Alberni RCMP are continuing their investigation into this matter
and because it is now before the courts no further information can be
provided.
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MAP posted-by: Matt