Pubdate: Tue, 14 Mar 2017
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Jeff Bell
Page: A5

POLICE SEIZE MARIJUANA, EDIBLES FROM DISPENSARY NEAR SCHOOL

Two people were arrested and 15 pounds of marijuana were seized when
Nanaimo RCMP carried out a search warrant at one of two Nature's
Source dispensaries in the city. Oils, marijuana edibles and $2,000
were also seized.

The 5th Street business was searched March 9 and remains closed. An
employee at the other Nature's Source Nanaimo location on Front Street
said the site will re-open as a glass shop.

The arrests were made for possession for the purpose of trafficking,
with both people being released on a promise to appear in court Aug.
8.

Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien said police took action because the
storefront was 500 metres from an elementary school and generating
foot and vehicle traffic. "Nanaimo residents had also made their
displeasure known to investigators about the storefront and the impact
it was having on their neighbourhood."

O'Brien said other marijuana storefronts operating illegally in the
city will be monitored. "All are aware that enforcement action can be
taken at any time."

In February, Nanaimo RCMP shut down a marijuana dispensary located
next to a daycare, leading to one arrest. Three Nanaimo dispensaries -
one of them the Front Street Nature's Source - were raided in December
2015.

The raid came about three weeks after cease-and-desist letters were
distributed to 10 marijuana businesses.

Green Tree Medical dispensary, a Langford pot shop, was shut down by
local authorities Jan. 17 and again Feb. 15.

Nanaimo dispensary owners have been told enforcement will be on a
case-by-case basis, O'Brien said.

O'Brien said having to spend a little less time on dealing with
fentanyl has allowed police to shift some of their focus, although
fentanyl is still a "significant issue." "We're starting to identify
the [fentanyl] distribution lines and consequently disrupting the flow."

Nanaimo RCMP Supt. Cameron Miller has said the RCMP is guided by
existing laws and legislation. The Liberal Party promised during the
2015 federal election campaign to legalize marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Matt