Shortly after 7 p.m. on 20 November 2008, more than a dozen Toronto police officers raided the Kindred Cafe on Breadalbane Street near Yonge and Wellesley.[1] Two employees were taken into custody and charged with trafficking marijuana after undercover officers bought cannabis-laced milkshakes, hot chocolate and baked goods at the club.[1][2] Four other people were issued summonses for trafficking and possession.[1]
The three-storey cafe had been open since 2000 and let patrons consume their own cannabis on its rooftop patio, and officers removed furniture, coffee machines, smoking paraphernalia and an amount of marijuana.[1][2] Owner Dominic Cramer was not present during the raid and faced trafficking-related charges, with police expecting him to turn himself in on 24 November.[2]
More than 100 supporters rallied at Old City Hall on the morning of 24 November to back the cafe.[2] A cafe spokesman said the Kindred never sold drugs to anyone and provided a meeting place for people with medical permits as well as social users.[2]
