MARIJUANA SHUT DOWN
Matt Cope wants his property back – or charges laid – after his pot products were confiscated
RCMP officers conducted recent raids on several pot shops in Millbrook and seized cannabis products, as well as paraphernalia, leaving the proprietors perplexed.
MILLBROOK, N.S. – RCMP officers conducted recent raids on several pot shos in Millbrook 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. Dec. 18, one of three raids conducted by RCMP on the First Nation resereve.
“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.
Other locations targeted were The Flower Barn, located next door to Cope’s store, and High Grade Smoke Shop on Abenaki Road.
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.”
Band Chief Bob Gloade, however, has previously stated treaty rights do not include the right to sell cannabis products in the absence of an agreement with the province and he has described the activity as no different than bootlegging alcohol.
James Brooks, a cashier with the Flower Barn on Willow Street, also expressed concern. The Flower Barn was closed Thursday and while Brooks said he was not in the shop when it was raided, he later discovered that officers had confiscated all cannabis and related smoking products, an Xbox and paper bags.
“They pretty much took everything that’s in the store,” he said. “Honestly, I was very rattled."
Although the owner of High Grade Smoke Shop on Abenaki Road was not available for comment, another person connected with that shop said an entire stock of bongs, pipes and papers were removed by police. The woman, who asked that she not be identified, said no marijuana or other cannabis-derived products are stocked at that shop.
POLICE ACTION ONGOING
Croteau said charges are pending under the Cannabis Act after searches and seizures at each of the three locations.
She also said a significant quantity, of cannabis, including edibles, was confiscated during the raids.
Croteau added RCMP is working with the chief and council of Millbrook to employ a "measured approach" around cannabis.
That includes consultation with local stakeholders to address the unlicenced sale of cannabis in the community.
Croteau said the police activity was prompted by increasing complaints and concerns from the community about the products being sold, along with the potential for sales to Millbrook youth.
“Our goal is to have the unlicenced storefronts cease operations,” she said.