A Richmond RCMP search of a “wellness” store just a few yards from city hall proved to be rather fruitful.
Within a few minutes of the Mounties’ Organized Crime Unit executing a warrant at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the WeeMedical Wellness Center, dozens of bags of illegal marijuana and marijuana-based products were found for sale.
According to the police, the store at 8050 Anderson Rd. – near to the No. 3 Road and Granville Avenue intersection - had been allegedly selling marihuana and the other products openly to the public and was operating without a business licence.
Around 180 small bags, believed to contain marijuana, and quantities of baked goods, confectioneries and other edible products, believed to contain marihuana, were seized.
“When Richmond RCMP officers arrived, the element of surprise proved unnecessary - the storefront staff appeared preoccupied and our presence was scarcely noticed,” said Richmond RCMP’s Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“We would like to draw attention to some of the unconventional forms that marijuana has taken.
“These are professionally packaged products. What might seem like an ordinary gummy worm, jelly cola bottle, chocolate bar or potato chips can be made or infused with marijuana.
“We are concerned that a child, teen or adult may unknowingly consume one of these products believing that they were the genuine article.”
During the course of the investigation, officers also learned that the store was the recipient of more than eight business licence-related infractions dating back to November 2016.
“As the law currently stands, it is illegal to operate a business without a licence and it is illegal to sell or distribute marijuana/marijuana-based products. Full stop,” added Hwang.
“Until such time as the law changes, you can most certainly expect that a visit from us.”
The Richmond News reported last week how the city is taking a proactive approach to prevent the potential proliferation of marijuana dispensaries across Richmond.
City councillors approved a bylaw amendment to ban dispensaries, but may revisit the issue should federal government legalize the use of marijuana, as expected.
A federal report with a commitment to introduce legislation on legalizing marijuana is expected this spring, according to Canada’s Ministry of Justice.
