Pubdate: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC) Copyright: 2009 Metro Canada Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775 Author: Dominique Armand COPS SIEZE $120K OF DRUGS IN 'COMPASSION' RING BUST Dozens of large bags filled with pot and mushrooms were displayed by North Vancouver police yesterday after busting a dial-a-dope operation on a tip from Crimestoppers. The sophisticated ring called itself a compassionate association that provided - at a cost - drugs to sick people. It had more than 1,000 clients, for whom it provided menus and even issued receipts. RCMP Cpl. Marlene Morton said yesterday that so-called compassion clubs are illegal in Canada and that there are legal ways to obtain medical marijuana. "The trafficker was selling the drugs for recreational use, not for medical use," Morton said. The confiscated drugs have an estimated street value of about $120,000. Four of the 13 people arrested face various drug-related charges and will appear in court on March 26. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin