Pubdate: Sat, 15 Aug 2015
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Darrell Bellaart
Page: A1

MEDICINAL POT STORE OWNER DENIES CRIME LINK CLAIMS

A Vancouver-based pot retailer watched everything live on his 
cellphone from his Nicol Street store in Nanaimo on Wednesday as 
police raided his other store in East Vancouver.

The Vancouver Police Department used a search warrant to raid the 
Limelife Society store at 4866 Rupert St.

The VPD said that its officers were investigating organized crime 
links. No one was arrested in the raid.

Robert Clarke, the owner of five Limelife medical cannabis 
dispensaries, and with plans for another in Victoria, said the claim 
is unfounded.

"It's more just a show of force," said Clarke. "I have no ties to 
organized crime. I come from a normal family."

The VPD said in a press release that they got a tip in July that the 
store had links to an "organized crime group."

During their investigation, police in Vancouver said, they determined 
that pot was being sold to youth in that area, as well as to adults 
without a valid license.

Cannabis possession is only legal for medicinal purposes and a Health 
Canada permit is required to identify the user as having a medical 
reason to use the drug.

"Our priority remains focused on violent drug traffickers and those 
who jeopardize the safety of youth and the marginalized in our 
community," said Vancouver Police Department spokesman Sgt. Randy Fincham.

"The VPD will continue to respond to residents' concerns and take 
enforcement action if it is required."

But Clarke said he works closely with the Vancouver Police Department.

"I don't understand why they didn't inform me" that his East 
Vancouver store was under investigation, he said. "I think it was 
just a show of power." Clarke said the East Vancouver store is the 
sole retail operation in an otherwise residential neighbourhood, and 
it has drawn attention from residents.

He said he's had no reaction from neighbours to his Nicol Street 
store, and supports marijuana regulations now used in Vancouver and Victoria.

"Hopefully Nanaimo will follow suit with Victoria," he said. "Just 
tell us what the bylaws are, tell us what to do so we can operate our 
businesses the most professional way possible."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom