AILING KRIEGER BUSTED

AIRDRIE RCMP CHARGE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS VICTIM

Hours after the Crown announced it was appealing a ruling stating
Grant Krieger was justified in selling pot to the chronically ill, the
medicinal marijuana crusader was busted by Airdrie RCMP for carrying
dope.

Speaking from Airdrie RCMP headquarters, Krieger said he was stopped
by police for a burnt-out headlight while on his way home last night
after purchasing 3 1/2 ounces of pot.

He's been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, but
not before an unusual exchange with police when Krieger said he
pointed out to the arresting officer he had a judge's permission to
possess the weed.

"I said 'no, I'm not giving you my pot -- I'm legally entitled to
possess it,' " said Krieger. "You should have seen the look on (the
officer's) face."

Nevertheless, Krieger's marijuana was seized and Krieger held for
several hours before his release early this morning.

"He made us aware of the justice's decision, but it doesn't give him
blanket approval," said Airdrie RCMP Cpl. Ross Shapka.

As for the Crown's appeal, Krieger said documents yesterday indicate
the Crown will argue the trial judge erred in law when she instructed
the jury that the defence of necessity could be justified.

Krieger, 46, has multiple sclerosis and has been fighting for more
than five years to have the drug legalized for medical purposes. The
jury acquitted him last month on a charge of possession for the
purpose of trafficking, accepting the defence argument that he was
saving lives when he supplied marijuana to the sick.

The Crown is appealing because they "feel like they're going to lose
control," said Krieger.

The timing of last night's arrest seems eerie and is the resulting
paperwork a continued waste of taxpayers' money, he added. Krieger
said he's prepared to take his fight all the way to the Supreme Court
if necessary.

"I'm saying it is a necessity," he said. "I deal with people who have
attempted suicide in the past and who will attempt it in the future.
You can't turn your back on people like that."