Police searching for two men after dispensary robbed
Hamilton police are looking for two masked men who robbed a marijuana dispensary at gunpoint over the weekend — the latest in a string of violent robberies that have been targeting illegal cannabis businesses.
Around 11:30 p.m. Friday, two masked men ran into the Blue Ox Dispensary at 76 George St., assaulted a security guard and robbed the dispensary of cash and product.
In a media release, the Blue Ox’s manager said the security guard was pistol whipped and sprayed in the face with an unknown substance.
Everyone was ordered to the ground while the masked men went behind the counter, emptied the cash register and dumped bins of product into a reusable grocery bag.
Hamilton police described the robbery as “targeted” and said they do not believe there is a wider public safety threat.
The first suspect is described as a black male, six-foot, 200 pounds and wearing a bandana over his face.
The second suspect is described as a male, five-foot-eight, about 160 pounds and also wearing a bandana over his face.
Hamilton police said they were last seen crossing George Street.
There has been an increase in dispensary robberies in recent months, as the industry itself continues to grow.
At last count there were 46 marijuana dispensaries in Hamilton, according to a report by city bylaw released last week. This is up from 15 last January.
The Spectator is aware of at least five other dispensary robberies reported to Hamilton police since April. However, insiders say that some are going unreported over fear police will seize product.
This growth is despite a crackdown from bylaw on zoning notifications and raids from police, as advocates continue to call for dispensaries to be legalized.
Medical marijuana patients are required to buy online from licensed producers and when recreational marijuana is expected to become legal later this year, Ontario is establishing LCBO-run stores.
Former dispensary owner and cannabis advocate Britney Guerra said she’s concerned robberies are increasing and is calling on owners to call 911 if they’ve been robbed.
“This is about public safety,” she said.
Blue Ox has released two videos of the suspects on its Facebook page.
The BEAR and vice and drug units continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Emidio Evangelista at 905-546-2991
To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-8477 or submit your tips online at crimestoppershamilton.com.