DRUG WAR BRIEFS

25,000 Plants Growing in Molson brewery

On January 11th, 2004, over 100 police officers raided the largest grow operation in Canadian History.  A vacant Molson brewery in Barrio, Ontario was housing more than 25,000 cannabis plants.  There were even plants growing inside the old beer brewing vats! The operation was so sophisticated that it was run like a factory with shift workers.  Ontario Provincial Police Supt.  Bill Crate declared 'It's the largest indoor operation any of us have ever seen.' Nine people were charged in the bust. 

Priest Pleads Guilty to Growing Marijuana

The former pastor of Prince of Peace Catholic Church accused of growing marijuana in the church rectory in Norton, Ohio pleaded guilty Tuesday.  The Rev.  Richard Arko was given a suspended prison sentence and was placed on probation for two years.  Arko pleaded guilty to cultivating marijuana and possession of criminal tools. 

Under questioning by the judge, he implied he was growing the marijuana for medicinal purposes.  He said he looked forward to the day that marijuana is legalized under certain circumstances. 

Prince of Pot Does Time in Saskatoon

Canadian Prince of Pot, Marc Emery, was arrested in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan during a month-long speaking tour of college campuses.  Famous for his marijuana seed company and pro-legalization stance, Emery was arrested for possessing 2.3 grams of marijuana.  Emery was forced to pay a $3500 bail and is out on strict conditions including mandatory submission to any searches of his person.  'It is a shame and disgrace that Saskatchewan is part of Canada, a condemnation of Canada, the province of Saskatchewan and the city of Saskatoon,' said Emery. 

Although jail is nothing new to Emery, he has now been in and out 14 times, he was outraged to be arrested for lighting and passing two joints.  The Prince of Pot vows to continue the struggle to legalize marijuana, 'We shall be released!'

Ed Rosenthal Gets Help From Court After Pot Deal Goes Bad

In an unprecedented action, self-proclaimed Guru of Ganja, Ed Rosenthal, filed a suit in small claims court after pot club owner Bob Martin passe him bad checks totaling $7000 in exchange for marijuana clones.  Martin, who testified against Rosenthal during his 2003 trial on cultivation charges, argued that being forced to pay the money he allegedly owed would be committing a federal crime.  The argument held no ground for San Francisco Superior Court Commissioner Catherine Lyons and she ordered Martin pay $4500 to Rosenthal for the marijuana clones he was given. 

The case has divided the City's medical-marijuana community.  While Rosenthal is one of the most famous marijuana advocates in the country, Martin is a popular figure in San Francisco, where he owns two medical-pot dispensaries.  Since the incident, Martin has indicated he plans to close his marijuana dispensaries and walk away from the medical marijuana community.