TORONTO

“Oh great.”

That’s the first thought 26-year-old Rebecca said she had in mind when she saw police officers enter the Cannabis Culture store on Queen St. near Broadview in a Thursday morning raid that targeted the chain of dispensaries nationwide.

“I actually didn’t have much of a reaction time,” she said, declining to provide her last name, but identifying herself as one of five employees at the store. “I couldn’t even yell ‘Raid!’”

Cannabis Culture dispensaries in Toronto, Hamilton, and Vancouver were the target of Project Gator, hours after the Marc and Jodie Emery – who are associated with the stores – were arrested in Toronto.

Officers executed 11 search warrants at five stores in Toronto, one store in Hamilton, one in Vancouver, and private residences in Toronto, Vancouver, and Stoney Creek.

“Our history of enforcing the law against illegal cannabis dispensaries is well established,” said Toronto Police spokesman Mark Pugash. “This is the latest effort in our law enforcement, and I’m certain there will be further action.”

The raid didn’t stop defiant and determined Cannabis Culture employees from speaking out.

No staff were charged or arrested – they were given verbal warnings that the next time they’re caught at the store could result in arrests.

“I’m an activist, I’ll be here,” said Rebecca about showing up for work the next day. “I’m in it for the long haul.”

Outside the Church-Maitland Sts. dispensary, supervisor Mark Harrison said they plan on opening up after cleaning up the mess inside.

Empty jars and packets littered the store, which was emptied of product. A lone joint was discovered by one employee after officers had left.

“There’s no point in doing this if we’re going to shut down after a raid,” said general manager Jamie McConnell. “So hopefully (Friday) around sometime in the afternoon, the store will re-open.”

The Emerys were not granted bail and will appear again at Old City Hall court again Friday.

Police have charged Marc, 59, and Jodie, 32, with various charges, including conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, trafficking, and possession. Marc was also charged with failure to comply with recognizance.

Three other people – two from Toronto, one from Stoney Creek – also face charges.

Lawyer Jack Lloyd said his clients were doing well after being in jail.

In court Thursday, Jodie Emery had to be told to stop displaying peace signs to the gallery.

One man, a loud supporter, had to be told to stay in his seat and he twice approached the prisoner’s box where the Emerys were.

mshah@postmedia.com

kconnor@postmedia.com

- With files from The Canadian Press



Cannabis Culture stores across Canada being raided at behest of Toronto Police. Get out and protest, call your MP/MLA/TPS and have your say. — KirkTousaw (@KirkTousaw) March 9, 2017