Police arrest Sherbrooke man in pot raid

Local police marked the legalization of cannabis in Canada last week by launching a raid on a residence on Paul-le-prohon St. in Sherbrooke following a tip from the public. A 57-year-old man was arrested on charges of growing fewer than seven plants and possession of unauthorized cannabis.

The Sherbrooke and Memphremagog policen forces’ campaign against illegal cannabis involves a strategic partnership whose goal is to maximize the suppression of criminal organizations, reduce the accessibility of cannabis to the young, the detection of various offenses, and monetary recovery.

Police have stated that they will maintain constant pressure on sellers and growers. Cannabis is now regulated by three legal bodies (municipal, provincial and federal) and police claim it will pose a significant challenge and expects that a black market will persist.

“This black market is likely to lower the revenues of the state and neutralize the orientations of the bill,” a Sherbrooke Police communiqué says, adding that the goal is effective management of the underground economy, the maximizing the expected benefits of legalization in the areas of health: limiting access for minors due to mental health concerns, and improving public safety.

Police are asking the public to report information on illegal sales and production by contacting Acces_cannabis@ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca, by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-7111800 or through www.echecaucrime.com.