A well-known cannabis advocate who has gotten into all sorts of trouble with police over the past several years relating to drug-related charges has filed his nomination papers to become mayor of Penticton.
Jukka Laurio, who ran for mayor in Penticton in the 2014 municipal election, is best known for his ongoing battles with police relating to cannabis sales.
In late May, Penticton RCMP said they recovered approximately 100 pounds of marijuana and marijuana edibles when they busted a dispensary in Okanagan Falls Wednesday. That dispensary was owned and operated by Laurio.
Officers located approximately 100 pounds of marijuana and marijuana edibles at the dispensary called Herbal Green Apothecary.
Laurio operated a controversial dispensary in Penticton until moving to Okanagan Falls in January.
The police investigation confirmed the dispensary was operating without a license to sell marijuana and that anyone from the general public could purchase the drug without any medical license.
“No store front is legally able to sell marijuana products to the general public,” said RCMP media relations officer Const. James Grandy “The marijuana seized from this dispensary was openly sold to anyone who walked into the store, regardless if they had a medical use license, or not.”
The seizure included a large quantity of various THC infused products, of particular concern was the edible products which were displayed, said Grandy.
“Written on some of the packaging seized were the words, 'The Best High You’ve Ever Had'. This is clearly not marketed toward those in medical need to use,” said Grandy.
Laurio was previously engaged a longstanding battle against the City of Penticton for running a marijuana dispensary.
He agreed to pay a $15,000 fine in a Kelowna courthouse in early May after he and the City of Penticton reached a settlement agreement.
The city had obtained an injunction against Laurio doing business as Herbal Green Cafe for operating a marijuana dispensary within city limits.
Laurio agreed to pay a fine in the amount of $15,000 to the City of Penticton and the failure to do so would result in a doubling of the fine to $30,000.
The fine was believed to be the largest against a marijuana dispensary owner or operator in B.C. history.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
