The Barrie Police Street Crime Unit executed a Controlled Drug and Substance Act warrant Tuesday at two marijuana dispensaries on Dunlop Street.
"The warrants were just executed at 11 o' clock so we don't have information on arrests, charges and seizures," said Const. Nicole Rodgers. "The scenes are still being processed right now. It will take some hours."
Police say the dispensaries were busted as a result of "community complaints."
When asked why the police action was taken now, Rodgers said it was an "ongoing investigation" and she cited recent changes to government regulations.
The two illegal pot dispensaries targeted in the raids are Sunrise Medicinal on Dunlop Street East and Med West on Dunlop Street West.
Under the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations enacted Aug. 11, Health Canada will now only allow medical-marijuana patients to buy from one of 34 licensed producers.
The regulations explicitly state that storefront operations are illegal.
Regardless, Joseph Bidinot, owner of Sunrise Medicinal said the morning raid happened without warning.
"They came and shut us down. Doesn't look like anybody is being charged," said Bidinot.
"It's just a damn shame. There's 1400 members now in Barrie that were coming to Sunrise because they weren't able to get what they need from Health Canada. Now they won't be able to access the products that they need."
Barrie Police say they have worked in partnership with the City of Barrie and the Crown Attorney’s office and will continue to work in conjunction with Health Canada in regards to the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).
"The illegal marijuana dispensaries are not a Health Canada licensed producer or distributor as defined in the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR)," stated a police news release.
"These types of “store front” operations pose a potential health risk as the production of controlled substances are not regulated by Health Canada and/or originate from unknown sources." it said.
Further information surrounding the details of the search warrants and all parties involved will be released as they become available, according to Rodgers.
Twelve people are now out of work at his shop and Bidinot is pondering his next step.
"I don't want to poke the bear, so to speak. I've been literally begged by many many members to reopen."
"I'm not a criminal. I love the plant and I just wanted to be part of the industry and Health Canada doesn't allow the people who love marijuana to be a part of the industry. They only allow corporate elites with millions of dollars behind them to be part of the industry."
"I need to go find a job now I guess," he said.
Downtown Councillor Rose Romita wasn't surprised by the police move to close the shops.
"I have always said they were illegal," said Romita. "Hopefully this will send a strong message saying that you're not welcome in Barrie. You are illegal and you will be shut down."
