RCMP Shut Down Marijuana Dispensary

Marijuana Dispensary Beside Daycare

Shut down by Nanaimo RCMP

The Nanaimo RCMP has shut down a marihuana dispensary in its 3 day of operation.

On Monday February 13th, Nanaimo RCMP officers attended to Leaf Labs dispensary located at 679 Terminal Ave. A compliance check was conducted by officers and evidence was observed which they believe contravened the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).  Enforcement action was taken which involved the arrest of a 24 year male allegedly operating the dispensary. This male was then transported to the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment. The dispensary was closed and secured by officers until such time a search warrant was granted to enter the premises. The search was carried out later that same evening and approximately 1.5 pounds of marihuana was seized.

There is no legal mechanism in Canada which allows for medicinal marihuana dispensaries or compassion clubs to sell marihuana to the public, regardless of whether or not the purchasing individual(s) have licenses to possess marihuana or whether or not the vendor has a license to produce marihuana.

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.

"The RCMP is guided by the existing laws and legislation. We recognize the current complexities surrounding the potential for future legislative changes, however, the RCMP is mandated with enforcing the laws of Canada as they exist today," says Superintendent Cameron Miller, Officer in Charge of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The investigation remains active. “The Nanaimo RCMP sets enforcement priorities through continued and ongoing consultation with local government, our municipal partners, the citizens of Nanaimo and the RCMP in British Columbia." said Superintendent Miller. One of many factors involved in the enforcement action taken today was the presence of a licensed daycare facility operating adjacent to the dispensary. The daycare was not open today due to BC Family Day but is expected to re-open on Tuesday February 14^th.

The 24 year male was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking under the CDSA, and was released on a Promise to Appear with his first court date set for July 10, 2017.