On Wednesday, October 4th, the Comox Valley RCMP Drug Section executed a search warrant at a newly opened Marijuana Store Front on the 300 block of 4th Street in Courtenay.
Investigators gathered evidence of offences under the Criminal Code of Canada/Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and took enforcement actions accordingly. 3 people were arrested on the side. 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.
A statement from the Comox Valley RCMP says that unregulated sales of medicinal marijuana and derivatives put public safety at risk, especially when there are legal means of obtaining this product.The RCMP supports Health Canada’s efforts to ensure persons with medical requirements have legal access to marijuana or whether or not the vendor has a license to produce.
Constable Rob Gardner says, “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.”
