The owner of Auntie’s Health and Wellness, a marijuana store that opened in July and began selling pot without any restrictions just two weeks ago, has been taken into custody.
READ MORE: Halifax store opens doors, selling marijuana to anyone over 19
Officers and paramedics were seen entering the downtown Halifax shop around 3 p.m. Friday.
A short while later, Shirley Martineau, owner of Auntie’s, was led out of the store in handcuffs and taken into custody.
Three others were arrested along with Martineau, Halifax Regional Police spokesperson Const. Dianne Penfound confirmed.
A media release sent out by police Friday evening said a 66-year-old woman, 42-year-old man and 22-year-old man, all from Dartmouth, and a 24-year-old Lower Sackville man were arrested at 1547 Barrington St., the same address of Auntie’s, and are facing charges. Each face one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking in marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking cannabis resin. Police added the woman is facing an additional charge of cultivation of marijuana.
All four people have been released on a promise to appear and undertaking. They are set to appear in Halifax provincial court at a later date.
The release said the investigation is ongoing.
Two weeks ago, Martineau lifted all restrictions on selling from her store, saying she’d sell to anyone over the age of 19.
“You know, I believe in four months it’s going to be legal anyways so I’m hoping to skirt by. I’m hoping that happens,” she said at the time.
READ MORE: Halifax store’s decision to sell marijuana receives support from advocates
At the the time, Halifax Regional Police spokesperson Const. Dianne Penfound said police wouldn’t open an investigation into the store unless they received a public complaint.
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