OWNER OF B.C. CAFE THAT SOLD MARIJUANA PLEADS GUILTY

The owner of a cafe that openly sold marijuana in a trendy Vancouver
neighbourhood two years ago pleaded guilty yesterday to trafficking charges.

Carol Gwilt, the owner of the now-defunct Da Kine Cafe, pleaded
guilty to possession of marijuana for trafficking and possession of
the proceeds of crime.

In a surprise move at her B.C. Supreme Court sentencing on two
unrelated charges, Gwilt said on "solemn reflection" she decided to
take responsibility and spare everyone the expense of the jury trial
for the Da Kine counts.

"It was a difficult decision to make," she said outside the
courtroom. "I'm still kind of in shock."

Judge Catherine Wedge adjourned proceedings until Sept. 5.

The cafe gained international attention in 2004 when Vancouver police
alleged the store was doing $30,000 a day in business and some 14,000
people went through its doors during one two-week period that summer.

On Sept. 9, 2004, police shut down the street around the cafe while a
SWAT team stormed inside. Investigators seized nine kilograms of
marijuana, some hashish, 300 cannabis-laced cookies and about $60,000
in U.S. and Canadian currency.