London Police say they seized $45,000 in drugs and $15,000 in cash during Wednesday’s raid at an illegal marijuana dispensary.
Officers searched the London Relief Centre located at 691 Richmond Street in downtown London Wednesday morning. The raid came one week after the dispensary opened its doors for the first time.
Five people were charged by London Police. A 28-year-old man, 28-year-old woman and 26-year-old man, all from London. A 27-year-old man from Mississauga and a 20-year-old man from Toronto were also charged. All five are charged with three counts of possessing a Schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The 20-year-old man from Toronto is also charged with breach of recognizance and public mischief/false name.
During the raid police seized:
- 4211.5 grams of marihuana bud, value $42,115
- 35 grams of hash oil, value $1,750
- 40 grams of shatter, value $4,000
- Variety of THC infused products
- ATM Machine
- Computer equipment
- Approximately $15,000 in currency
The federal government introduced bill C-45 last spring in preparation for an expected July 2018 date for adult Canadians to be allowed to buy pot at provincially mandated stores, possess up to 30 grams of marijuana or grow up to four plants at home.
Last week, the Ontario government announced 40 cannabis stores will open next year when marijuana is legalized and an online service will be open by the summer.
The province is also vowing to stamp out the remaining unsanctioned shops, like The London Relief Centre, which quietly opened its doors on Richmond Row earlier this month.