MARIJUANA CLUB FOUNDER IN JAIL

Victoria - Police have arrested Ted Smith, the founder of the
Vancouver Island Cannabis Buyers Club, and charged him with drug
trafficking.

The club operated from an bookstore in downtown Victoria, selling
marijuana to people with medical conditions.

Victoria Police Sergeant Darren Lauer says an ongoing investigation
showed that Smith was selling pot to other people as well.

Smith says he's had to cut off dozens of people who weren't buying
for medical purposes, but adds he's not about to stop helping those
who need it.

"Either this country considers me a criminal and I should be put in
jail for the rest of my life because I'm never going to quit, or the
community should recognize that medical marijuana is incredibly
important to keep some people alive" he says.

Police are recommending the city close down the business permanently.
They also want Smith kept in jail until his trial.