MAN SUES AFTER POT PLANTS DAMAGED

VICTORIA - A man who claims his marijuana-growing operation was
damaged during a police raid is suing his local government, claiming
he had a Health Canada certificate to grow his pot legally.

Philippe Albert is suing the District of Saanich for $11,176,
according to a notice of claim filed in B.C. small claims court. He is
claiming $8,000 for police damage to his equipment and $3,000 for the
value of his marijuana plants, which police say they destroyed.

Saanich police seized pot plants and growing equipment while executing
a search warrant on Albert's home Dec. 15, 2005.

Albert claims he had permission from Health Canada to grow the pot for
medicinal purposes to treat a "permanent disabling back injury," say
court documents. Saanich has yet to be formally served with the
lawsuit and can't comment on the case, said municipal solicitor Chris
Nation.