Ottawa police raided seven marijuana dispensaries across the city on 3 and 4 November 2016, arresting nine budtenders.[1] The drug unit executed warrants at shops on Montreal Road, Preston Street, Bank Street, Rideau Street, St Laurent Boulevard and St Joseph Boulevard, plus a Roydon Place address on 3 November.[1] Officers seized marijuana, hashish, hash oil, THC concentrate known as shatter, cannabis edibles and soft drinks, cash and documents.[1]
The nine arrested face charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime.[1] Staff Sergeant Rick Carey said police had investigated the shops for a long time after community complaints and would keep investigating dispensaries as complaints arrived.[1] Police said they were working with federal prosecutors under the new medical-marijuana access rules that had taken effect on 24 August.[1]
