Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jan 2018
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2018 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Jen St. Denis
Page: 3

ROBSON SQUARE VENDORS STAY PUT DESPITE ARRESTS

Police say booths have been selling weed to kids

Despite a recent police crackdown, marijuana vendors who have been
selling pot out of booths set up at Robson Square near the Vancouver
Art Gallery say they have no intention of stopping.

Police arrested four people on Jan. 22 and have charged a fifth
person, Vancouver resident David Hill, with drug trafficking. At a
press conference Tuesday morning, police said they have recommended 11
charges in total and more charges will be coming.

But hours after the media appearance, pot dealers and cannabis
activists had already set up three tents at Robson Square, selling and
giving away marijuana for free.

Over a two-month operation, police found evidence that the vendors had
sold marijuanato minors and that harder drugs such as cocaine had also
been offered. Police also found weapons such as bats and batons, and
violent altercations between vendors and other individuals were
common, said Howard Chow, deputy police chief for the Vancouver Police
Department.

While marijuana will be legal across Canada starting July 2, Chow said
the activity that was happening on Robson Square wouldn't be legal
under the new legislation. And with over 100 cannabis dispensaries
across Vancouver, Chow said he saw little need for the unofficial
booths to operate.

Paul Deman was selling joints and edibles out of a booth at Robson
Square, just hours after the VPD press conference. He said he wants to
help people access cannabis but can't afford the $30,000 business
license application fee.

"I give them out at compassionate prices," he said.

"And free to anybody who doesn't have money who needs them for medical
use or who is at risk of overdosing and using unhealthy drugs."

Meanwhile, the police said there was a difference between the many
dispensaries that operate without a business licence from the city and
the booths: "There are no guidelines," Chow said. "There's nobody to
track down, and you don't know if the person will be back tomorrow if
there is a health issue."

- - with files from Tessa Vikander
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MAP posted-by: Matt