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. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek