Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jul 2006
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2006 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Ian Mulgrew, CanWest News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

OWNER OF B.C. CAFE THAT SOLD MARIJUANA PLEADS GUILTY

The owner of a cafe that openly sold marijuana in a trendy Vancouver 
neighbourhood two years ago pleaded guilty yesterday to trafficking charges.

Carol Gwilt, the owner of the now-defunct Da Kine Cafe, pleaded 
guilty to possession of marijuana for trafficking and possession of 
the proceeds of crime.

In a surprise move at her B.C. Supreme Court sentencing on two 
unrelated charges, Gwilt said on "solemn reflection" she decided to 
take responsibility and spare everyone the expense of the jury trial 
for the Da Kine counts.

"It was a difficult decision to make," she said outside the 
courtroom. "I'm still kind of in shock."

Judge Catherine Wedge adjourned proceedings until Sept. 5.

The cafe gained international attention in 2004 when Vancouver police 
alleged the store was doing $30,000 a day in business and some 14,000 
people went through its doors during one two-week period that summer.

On Sept. 9, 2004, police shut down the street around the cafe while a 
SWAT team stormed inside. Investigators seized nine kilograms of 
marijuana, some hashish, 300 cannabis-laced cookies and about $60,000 
in U.S. and Canadian currency.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom