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Policing issues played a minor role in Tuesday’s Ward 4 budget town hall, with only one exception: Cannabis enforcement costs.

The Regina Police Service has estimated the cost of policing a legalized marijuana system at somewhere between $1.2 million and $1.8 million. That number evoked shock from one resident who came to the meeting.

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“It stretches the bounds of believability,” she said. “Give me a break.”

Coun. Andrew Stevens tried to steer clear of the RPS during the town hall, only once repeating his earlier warnings about the force’s “uncontrolled” costs.

But the woman’s statement prompted him to suggest the number might be exaggerated for political purposes.

“I believe it’s inflated,” he said. “Here’s my guess: Because it’s packaged in a report directed at the provincial government, saying we need a large share of whatever revenues you are able to accumulate as a result of legalization, I’d say it’s politics.”