On Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, EPS Southeast Division patrol members attended a location near 46 Avenue and 101 Street, after receiving a complaint. Police subsequently discovered approximately 100 marijuana plants being cultivated on a premises illegally and without Health Canada authorization. In addition, a sophisticated distribution center stocked with large quantities of cannabis and cannabis products was uncovered.
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, members of the Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement Section (EDGE) executed warrants at a second alleged illegal dispensary operating from a “store-front location” near 109 Street and 78 Avenue. Investigators seized large quantities of cannabis products, including various cannabis edibles.
“These businesses are clearly in open violation of the law,” said Insp. Shane Perka, of the EPS Organized Crime Branch. “The sale of cannabis for recreational use is currently scheduled to become legal in Canada after July 1, 2018 – not today.”
“If you’re running an unregulated cannabis dispensary in our city prior to July 1, 2018, then you could face charges, whether you’re an employee or an owner.”
In consultation with the Federal Crown, EPS has determined that any dispensaries currently operating without authorization from Health Canada could be found in contravention of various laws, including:
- Section 5(1) CDSA, Trafficking a Controlled Substance
- Section 5(2) CDSA, Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Section 355 CC, Possession of the proceeds of crime
- Section 7(1) CDSA, Production of a Controlled Substance (where an illegal grow operation is found on the premises).
Proactive policing of these dispensaries is especially important for purposes of public safety, added Perka.
“Consumers accessing for-profit cannabis dispensaries currently not sanctioned by Health Canada, have no assurance these products meet federal safety guidelines. There is also the potential for cross-contamination with other illegal drugs that may have occurred during production,” explained Perka.
“To be clear, it is not our objective as a police agency to try and deny anyone access to cannabis for medical purposes. We do, however, want to ensure the public is absolutely aware that these dispensaries are currently operating illegally, and outside the authorization of Health Canada.”
Police encourage anyone with information regarding the possible location of illegal cannabis dispensaries in Edmonton to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.