Medical marijuana dispensaries raided in Saint John

Police have arrested 12 people after raids at several medical marijuana dispensaries in Saint John Tuesday.

“The execution of today’s search warrants at the unlicensed Saint John medical marijuana dispensaries should not come as a surprise to anybody,” Saint John police spokesperson Charles Breen said in an emailed statement.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The execution of today's search warrants at the unlicensed Saint John medical marijuana dispensaries should not come as a surprise to anybody," Saint John police spokesperson Charles Breen said in an emailed statement.

“We have been very clear and direct while stating our position that it was our belief these unlicensed dispensaries were operating outside of the law.”

READ MORE: Medical marijuana dispensaries ‘a pebble in our shoe’: Saint John Police Chief

With assistance from the Kennebecasis Regional Police and the New Brunswick RCMP, Saint John police investigated and raided the following dispensaries:

• Medicinal Grounds, 104 Prince William Street
• Medicinal Grounds, 505 Rothesay Avenue
• BL, 8 Simpson Drive
• King Canna, 76 Germaine Street
• HBB Medical INC, 1714 Rothesay Road
• HBB Medical INC, 199 Chesley Drive

Breen said the 12 people arrested are being charged for possession for the purpose of trafficking drugs.

He said officers remained at the locations, seizing items, and added that each location would be photographed and processed for fingerprints.

READ MORE: Licensed growers must increase ahead of legalization: NB marijuana producer

Breen went on to say that despite federal plans to legalize marijuana, police would continue to investigate illegal dispensaries.

“We are wholly aware that the federal government is undertaking work and conversations are taking place that will undoubtedly change the landscape in this country as it pertains to the future lawful possession, use and distribution of marijuana,” Breen said.

“However, we cannot hypothesize on what those changes will eventually be or when they will become the law of the land.”