SASKATOON – A medical marijuana dispensary in Saskatoon has been shut down and four people have been arrested following a police search warrant executed at the property Thursday. In late September or early October, the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) launched an investigation called “Project Fextern,” which looked into the Saskatchewan Compassion Club on 2nd Avenue North.
The dispensary opened this summer and began helping people get medical marijuana prescriptions. It also provided marijuana-based products.
READ MORE: Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Saskatoon
“They were operating it as if they were a legitimate business. They are not a legitimate business. They are marijuana-trafficking, so they’re drug traffickers,” said Det. Insp. Dave Haye with the SPS Criminal Investigation Division.
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The search warrant was carried out at the business around 10:30 a.m. CT Thursday. At the same time, police raided a home in the 400-block of 109th Street West. Police would not confirm if the home belong to one of the store’s employees.
Although the incoming federal government has pledged to legalize recreational marijuana, Haye said it’s “business as usual” until new marijuana laws come into effect.
Multiple costumers of the Saskatchewan Compassion Club showed up to the dispensary Thursday afternoon, looking for products.
Sean Dew wanted edible marijuana products to treat his Crohn’s disease.
“I can either order from a legal grower and wait … or I have to go back to black market,” Dew said.
Two Saskatoon men, aged 24 and 36, and two Saskatoon women, aged 23 and 39, were charged with drug possession and trafficking offences.
They remain in custody and are expected to appear in court Friday.
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