For two years Jukka Laurio has defiantly sold marijuana through his Penticton storefront without a business license.
But after receiving a warning letter from the RCMP to cease operations or face arrest he’s now promising to phase out the sale of dried cannabis.
“I’m perfectly willing to argue with civic authorities, I don’t have a problem with that, but the federal government is a very large animal,” said Laurio.
The letter is penned by Staff Sgt. Kirsten Marshall who is the acting officer in charge of the Penticton RCMP detachment.
It was also sent to the two pot shops in town who hold city-issued temporary operating permits.
A sign on the door at the Green Essence dispensary on Martin Street said the store will be closed until “further notice.”
The owner told Global News she was surprised to receive a warning letter from the RCMP three months after receiving a temporary use permit from the City of Penticton.
READ MORE: Defiant Penticton pot shop owner refuses to close despite city order
Customers said they were shocked to find the doors closed.
“It doesn’t make any sense to me,” said one customer.
City Hall decided to regulate pot shops last year after the number of dispensaries started growing like weeds.
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said he too was caught off-guard.
“I am a little surprised that it’s happening now when there is other issues in the city that they should be focusing on versus six months ago or nine months ago when it was a bigger issue and just starting to gain momentum. I think that would have been helpful to have enforcement back then,” he said.
READ MORE: Marijuana dispensaries in Penticton granted temporary permits
Lawyer Robert Laurie, who represents Okanagan Cannabinoid Therapy, said the pressure is likely coming from the federal government as it prepares to legalize and regulate recreational pot.
“That shows that essentially the RCMP are taking a tactic to eliminate competition not address issues of public safety.”
When asked about the timing of the letter, Staff. Sgt. Marshall replied in an email “if we have concerns expressed by citizens in regards to criminal action we have the ability to investigate and, if appropriate, take enforcement action.”
Marshall insists it was not a directive from senior RCMP brass.
She would not say if police raids are imminent.
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