Montreal police have been ambushing new pot stores owned by Marc Emery who is popularly known the “Prince of Pot.”
According to the police, this is an ongoing operation that is targeted at illegal pot stores. However, they did not confirm if they will be closing all the six stores that were opened on Thursday.
Marc Emery was seen being led away by the police outside one of his stores in Montreal’s Plateau neighborhood. Emery described the prime minister as a “disgrace” and the whole operation as an “injustice.”
Although he was led into a patrol car, it was not immediately clear if he had been arrested.
Speaking to members of the press, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier stated that Ottawa is moving responsibly into pot legalization but until the law is changed, the current law still applies.
“The reason we are legalizing and controlling marijuana is not for any other reason than to better protect our kids and to remove the black market, the criminal elements, organized crime, from profiting massively from the sale of cannabis,” he said alongside Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard.
Marc’s wife Jodie had earlier told journalists that she hoped that the local authorities would not trouble them although they were aware that the stores are illegal under the current federal legislation.
Individuals who are 19 and older are allowed to purchase cannabis without membership or medical requirements according to the store policy. The stores will employ locals, pay taxes and won’t allow children inside.
In 2010, the self proclaimed “Prince of Pot” was extradited to the United States. He received a 5-year sentence after pleading guilty to selling marijuana seeds.
In spring, a legislation to legalize pot is expected to be tabled in Ottawa. Earlier this week, a federal task force recommended that sales be allowed to Canadians who are18 years and older.
