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Arrests made at Courtenay dispensary

On Oct. 4, the Comox Valley RCMP Drug Section attended a newly-opened marijuana storefront, located on the 300 block of 4th Street in Courtenay and arrested three people in the business.
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Police arrested three people Wednesday at the newly-opened Leaf dispensary on Fourth Street. Photo by Carl Johansen

On Oct. 4, the Comox Valley RCMP Drug Section attended a newly-opened marijuana storefront, located on the 300 block of 4th Street in Courtenay and arrested three people in the business.

Investigators gathered evidence of offences under the Criminal Code of Canada/Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and took enforcement actions accordingly.

A quantity of marijuana, marijuana derivatives and cash was seized. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.

The business was also found to be operating without a business license.

Businesses and/or individuals operating in contravention of the CDSA and Health Canada regulations may be subject to investigation and criminal charges in accordance with Canadian laws

Unregulated sales of medicinal marijuana and derivatives put public safety at risk, especially when there are legal means of obtaining this product, noted police. The RCMP supports Health Canada’s efforts to ensure persons with medical requirements have legal access to marijuana in accordance with Canadian laws.

“There is no legal mechanism in Canada which allows for ‘medicinal marijuana dispensaries’ or ‘compassion clubs’ to sell marijuana to the public, regardless of whether or not the purchasing individual(s) have licenses to possess marijuana or whether or not the vendor has a license to produce marijuana,” stated Const. Rob Gardner, Comox Valley RCMP media relations officer.

-Comox Valley RCMP