Montreal mayor defends police raid of illegal cannabis boutiques
Posted December 17, 2016 12:33 pm.
Last Updated December 17, 2016 1:27 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Montreal’s mayor says police were doing their jobs and upholding the law when they launched raids against newly opened illegal cannabis stores.
Denis Coderre says that opening the stores was a pointless stunt since federal legislation to legalize marijuana is expected in the spring.
Police say they arrested 10 people Friday in the raids on the cannabis stores that opened one day before by the self-styled “Prince of Pot,” Marc Emery, and his wife, Jodie.
All but one person, who refused to sign the release documents, have been released on a promise to appear in court.
Local television outlets broadcast images of police taking Emery outside one of his stores in the city’s Plateau neighbourhood. Social media accounts listed as belonging to Jodie Emery said her husband was among those who were arrested.
Coderre says that marijuana advocates need to be patient and respect the law until it is changed.
