Pubdate: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 Source: BBC News (UK Web) Copyright: 2002 BBC Contact: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/forum/ Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/558 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) SEVEN HELD IN CANNABIS CAFE RAID Dorset Police Say They Will Arrest Users Seven people have been arrested for alleged drugs offences after a police raid on a cannabis cafe. Dorset Police raided the shop in Station Approach, Bournemouth, on Wednesday night, as it was being featured in a BBC Two documentary. The Money Programme looked at the financial and legal issues surrounding cannabis cafes in the UK. The show followed the proprietor, James Ward, originally from the Manchester area, as he attended a training course in Amsterdam on how to run a cannabis coffee shop. The programme also featured his search for a location for the cafe in Bournemouth and the troubles he encountered in setting up the venture. There were 25 people in the cafe at the time of the raid. Warrant Executed Chief Inspector Nick Hazelton said: "A warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act was executed at Unit 15, Station Approach, Boscombe, Bournemouth, on Wednesday 24 April. "Twenty-five people were in the premises. "There were seven arrests for drug-related offences and a quantity of substance believed to be cannabis was recovered." A total of 60 police officers as well as a police dog and handler were involved in the raid. Of the seven arrested, three men aged 17, 18, and 47 and a woman aged 21 were released on police bail. A 30-year-old man is still being questioned while a 34-year-old man has been charged and bailed to appear before Bournemouth magistrates court on 29 April. A 28 year-old man was released. Enforcment 'Duty' Chief Inspector Hazelton added: "I am pleased with the results of the operation. "Once again, it shows Dorset Police's intention to deal appropriately with offences at this enterprise. "We are here to uphold the law and will continue to do so." Detective Chief Inspector Colin Stanger said: "Dorset Police targets dealers and users in the more harmful class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. "But clearly we will not tolerate the dealing in and use of cannabis because it is an offence and our duty is to enforce the law." Note: Once again, it shows Dorset Police's intention to deal appropriately with offences at this enterprise. -- Chief Inspector Nick Hazelton - --- MAP posted-by: Alex