Pubdate: Wed, 15 Sep 2004
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2004 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: CanWest News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

SUPPLIER OF MARIJUANA TO CONTROVERSIAL SHOP ARRESTED

Leader Of Society Advocating The Drug In Court Today

VANCOUVER - The founder of the society supplying pot at Vancouver's Da
Kine Smoke and Beverage Shop is back in jail on a charge of possessing
marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Donald Briere, who was on parole for growing marijuana, money
laundering and a weapons offence, was taken into custody Sunday, four
days after Vancouver police raided Da Kine, a store that continues to
defiantly sell marijuana.

Court documents indicate Mr. Briere was charged with possession of up
to three kilograms of marijuana for the purposes of
trafficking.

Mr. Briere and his daughter, Colleen Denise Briere Smart, are
directors of the Canadian Sanctuary Society, a registered non-profit
society.

Its aims are to advocate for the legalization of the drug and to
supply marijuana for medical purposes.

The society is continuing to operate Da Kine, despite the arrest of
owner Carol Gwilt and seven employees.

Mr. Briere formed the society in August, 2001, two months before he
was sentenced to four years in prison for his part in a massive
marijuana grow operation that employed up to 80 people.

He pleaded guilty to cultivating marijuana, laundering $2.3-million in
proceeds, and possessing a prohibited assault rifle.

Mr. Briere is scheduled to appear in Vancouver provincial court today.
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MAP posted-by: Derek