Police charge three people after search of two illegal cannabis dispensaries

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Police have charged three people after conducting a search of two illegal cannabis dispensaries on January 3.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., members of the Drug Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, supported by Patrol Division officers, conducted a search warrant at Farm Assists located at 2320 Gottingen Street in Halifax and 5106 Highway 7 in Porters Lake. Investigators seized approximately $26,000, 10 pounds of cannabis and over 1,600 other cannabis products.

Three people were arrested at the locations without incident:

  • Michael Francis Preeper, 27, of Lake Echo
  • Lason Sinclair Johnson, 35, of Halifax
  •  Shauna Marie Crane, 21, of Halifax

The three accused are scheduled to appear in Court at a later date to face charges of:

  • Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing contrary to Section 9(2) of the Cannabis Act
  • Possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling contrary to Section 10(2) of the Cannabis Act  
  • Possession for the use in production or distribution of illicit cannabis contrary to Section 13(1) of the Cannabis Act
  • Possession of property obtained by crime contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Shauna Crane has also been charged with three counts of breaching a recognizance.

The only legal way to buy recreational cannabis in Nova Scotia is through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Cannabis retail and online outlets. The only legal way for Canadians to access medical cannabis is through Health Canada.  

If anyone has information about illegal sales, they are encouraged to report it to police or anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 Tips App.

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