RCMP sweep in on pot shops

MILLBROOK, N.S. — RCMP officers conducted recent raids on several pot shops in Millbrook, Colchester County, and say charges are pending after cannabis products and paraphernalia were seized.

But Matt Cope, owner of one location, said he wants answers after all his cannabis products were seized without a warrant.

He said RCMP officers arrived at his High Times Station Smoke Shop on Willow Street at about 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 18, one of three raids conducted by RCMP on the First Nation reserve.

“I feel violated,” said Cope. “They took all my stuff. That’s robbery.”

Cope said police emptied his shop of all plants, flowers, edibles and other derivatives. Also confiscated were bongs, pipes and papers.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Lisa Croteau said officers were acting within provincial legislation enacted after marijuana was legalized federally in 2018.

“Under the Cannabis Control Act, a police officer may, at any reasonable time, enter and inspect any place or vehicle in respect to this Act, except a private dwelling for the purpose of ensuring compliance,” Croteau recited in an emailed response to a media inquiry.

But Cope said his business was a legitimate, regulated enterprise operating on federal land in Millbrook First Nation. He wanted police to either lay charges or hand back his goods.

“We’re not doing anything that’s illegal,” said Cope. “We’re exercising our treaty rights. We have a right to a modern livelihood, to make a living off everyday commodities that are available to us.”