POLICE – Pot dispensary raided, two arrested, evidence seized

A pot shop was raided today (Monday, May 7, 2018) in a team effort between the City and the RCMP.

The raid on Canna Clinic at 7-1390 Hillside Drive came after public complaints, City planning and development manager Rod Martin said in a media release, though he didn’t say what the complaints were. He said a cease and desist order was previously issued to the business.

“The business was not in compliance with the City’s Business Licence regulations, as it did not have a valid business licence,” the media release stated.

“Also, the RCMP have advised that this business’s activity is prohibited by the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drug and Substance Act.”

RCMP entered the premises at 10:30 a.m. with a search warrant to collect evidence.

S/Sgt. Simon Pillay said, “Ideally, the RCMP would like to use the least amount of enforcement to deal with people who perpetuate criminality through these illegal cannabis retail stores.

“But when businesses blatantly break the law and fail to follow the City’s bylaws and zoning regulations, then police must act.”

There was no indication of whether other dispensaries will be also be busted, but the release pointed out that none of the cannabis dispensaries operating within the City of Kamloops have a valid business licence and “have been encouraged to close their operation until they have received a provincial cannabis retail licence and a valid City of Kamloops business licence.”

The case will be referred to Crown prosecutors for possible charges.

Recreational marijuana will become legal later this year, and City council will consider zoning issues around cannabis at a public hearing Tuesday night.