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Richard Bergman used to investigate people in B.C. for marijuana grow-ops and possession of pot as a sergeant in the RCMP, but now the retired officer is fighting the war on drugs as a civilian and concerned parent in suburban Ottawa.

He pleaded with Chief Charles Bordeleau at the police services board meeting Monday to crack down on illegal marijuana dispensaries, especially the two that have popped up in his Orléans neighbourhood, one of which is steps away from a kids’ tutoring centre and a martial arts club.

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“What I think we’re witnessing today, unfortunately, is an abdication of the duty of the police to enforce the Criminal Code of Canada as it’s currently written in the books,” the former sergeant told the board, flanked by two other concerned residents.

“Loving and caring parents cry disbelief when they walk their children to tutoring clinics and taekwondo studios that have a marijuana store right beside it.”