Moose Jaw marijuana store raided, three men charged with trafficking

The Moose Jaw Police Service charged three people and seized an undisclosed amount of marijuana and associated products after executing a search warrant at the Moose Jaw Compassion Club.

The search took place on August 9, at the businesses’ 244 River Street West location.

Dylan Lawrence, of Moose Jaw, has been charged with three counts of trafficking marijuana and proceeds of crime. He has been released on a recognizance with conditions and will appear in court at a later date.

Jonathan Koch, of Moose Jaw, and Chevy Daly, of Regina, were each arrested and charged with one count of trafficking marijuana. Both have been released on a recognizance and will appear in court at a later date.

Moose Jaw police said that Lawrence and MJ Compassion are not one of the two businesses that had been previously awarded permits for legal cannabis retail outlets.

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Police added that they previously addressed the legalities of selling marijuana and the repercussions of not adhering to current legislation with MJ Compassion.

“What I can share is that there was some communication with people associated with MJ Compassion. Of course this is a bit of a unique situation in the sense that this wasn’t a covert drug dealer, this was essentially a type of a storefront,” Sgt. Kevin Pilsworth said. “We made sure there was communication to people associated with MJ Compassion, that there was clarity on what was legal and what was not legal. As a result of the activity that took place, we conducted an investigation and charges were laid.”

Pilsworth added that it was somewhat of a surprise to see a dispensary like this in Moose Jaw.

“Provincially, what I think’s been taking place and the message that’s been delivered and the response by different police agencies in different communities has definitely sent a strong message to people that this is still illegal activity, and in the coming months when this becomes legal for certain businesses there’s still rules and regulations that have to be followed,” he said.

The Moose Jaw Police Service will be providing further details as the investigation continues.