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Ottawa police have warned the landlords renting space to illegal marijuana dispensaries that the businesses may face police action and the properties could even be seized.

Letters have been served on 13 dispensary landlords warning them of the consequences of allowing unlawful activities on their properties, said Staff Sgt. Rick Carey of the drug unit.

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“If your property continues to represent a threat to the health, safety and security of the community, the Ottawa Police Service will take action as authorized by the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and any other provincial statutes available,” the letter says.

Some landlords were shocked by the letters because they thought dispensaries were legal, said Carey. Other landlords are consulting their lawyers and checking their leases, he said.

The letter also offers help to landlords, saying they can contact police for “assistance with respect to strategies which may be employed by you to reduce/cease the unlawful activity associated with our property.”