ARMED RAID AT TEA HOUSE

Two men were arrested when Vancouver police made a dramatic entrance
at the Marijuana Tea House at 319 West Pender.

The Emergency Response Team entered with guns drawn, forced about 30
patrons to the floor, then handcuffed everyone before searching the
premises.

The owners had promised to allow in only medical patients with Health
Canada approval to smoke pot, but Det. Scott Driemel said that was not
the case last Friday night.

"There was nobody at all who had Halth Canada documents," said
Driemel. "A search turned up $5,000 worth of marijuana buds, $3,300
in cash, $4,200 worth of seeds, plus hash oil. There also was
electrical equipment being set up to grow plants."

Owners held a media open house last fall, but only had a business
licence to operate for that one day.

"But the business continued operating," said Driemel. Undercover cops
went to the club and allegedly purchased pot, leading to a search
warrant that allowed police to raid the business.

Charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and two counts
of trafficking is Yoram Alexander Adler, 39, of Vancouver. Charged
with possession for the purpose of trafficking is Michael Maniotis,
42, of Vancouver.