Two storefront businesses, believed to have been selling marijuana, have been shut down by authorities.
On Friday February 3, the Prince George RCMP began an investigation into suspected drug trafficking in a building on the 700 block of Fourth Avenue in Prince George. Police attended and say they located an illegal marijuana storefront business operating in the building. The City of Prince George was contacted, as the business did not appear to have a licence to operate in the city. The business was shut down.
On Monday February 6, the Prince George RCMP were made aware of another possible illegal marijuana storefront business operating on the 1400 block of Third Avenue in Prince George. Once again, police attended the location with representatives from the City of Prince George and once again the business was shut down for operating without a business licence.
At this time, marijuana is regulated as a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act which prohibits the importation, exportation, trafficking, cultivation/production, and possession of it or its derivatives.
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 purchaser has a license to possess marijuana, or whether or not the vendor has a license to produce marijuana.
“The RCMP is guided by existing laws and legislation,” said Supt. Warren Brown. “We recognize the current complexities surrounding the potential for future legislative changes, however the RCMP is tasked with enforcing the laws of Canada as they exist today. I can tell you that Prince George RCMP investigators gathered evidence of possible offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and took enforcement actions accordingly.”
Businesses and/or individuals operating in contravention of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Health Canada regulations may be subject to investigation and criminal charges in accordance with Canadian laws.
