Pubdate: Fri, 09 Oct 2015
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.torontosun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Tracy McLaughlin
Page: 3

$10 FINE IN GROW-OP STING!

NEWMARKET - A huge undercover police sting that saw a medical
pot-grower dragged through the courts for two years ended with a grand
slam in court Thursday - a $10 fine.

"This is ludicrous," an exasperated Clifford Dawson said outside
court. "This cost the taxpayers millions and two years of my life. All
for $10?"

Dawson, 34, of Innisfil, who walks with a cane and suffers from
scoliosis, pleaded guilty to production of marijuana.

"I am satisfied with the joint submission by both counsel for a $10
fine," said Judge Mary Vallee, who took into consideration the length
of time Dawson has been on bail since his arrest on Dec. 18, 2013.

Dawson had a licence to produce marijuana, which he used to make a
topical ointment for pain, but he was only allowed to grow 50 plants
at a time and was busted with 150 plants.

He explained that the growing cycle has three stages and he had about
50 plants in each batch.

"It's how the herb is farmed," he said. "I'm not a drug user - I don't
even smoke the stuff."

Two years ago, 30 armed tactical officers woke Dawson in his home and
cuffed him while aiming guns at his head.

"They had assault rifles pointed at my pregnant wife," Dawson said.
"It was terrifying."

Since then he has spent thousands in legal fees.

His lawyer, Margaret Osadet, says the cost of the seven week
undercover operation, which included tactical and intelligence
officers from OPP, Barrie and South Simcoe police, combined with two
years in the courts, would be in the millions.
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MAP posted-by: Matt