Four people have been arrested after allegedly operating a pot dispensary that was raided last week.
Windsor police said officers patrolling on Wednesday noticed activity at a business on Erie Street East near Ouellette Avenue. It turned out to be an unlicensed cannabis operation that was previously closed down. According to Sergeant Steve Betteridge, closed-property signs on the business were removed, and in defiance of that order, people were inside.
"Through investigation, officers determined several persons were inside the building which appeared to be operating as an illegal cannabis dispensary," said Betteridge. "A quantity of illicit marijuana, cannabis-related products, and a quantity of currency were located and seized."
Three men and one woman inside the business were arrested and charged with break-and-enter. They are also accused of possession to sell under the Cannabis Act. All four have been released on an undertaking with a future court date.
"Both seized properties have clear signage posted indicating the property closures under Section 18 of the Cannabis Act of 2017," said Betteridge. "The signage also clearly states that any persons who enter the properties without judicial authorization may be charged with break-and-enter, or other related charges, under the Criminal Code of Canada. The Windsor Police Service will continue to enforce any illegal entry or activity related to the properties."
Police are continuing to remind residents that even though recreational cannabis is legal nationwide, it can only be purchased legally in Ontario online or at licenced brick-and-mortar stores. Windsor-Essex does not have any legal cannabis stores at this time.