MAYORAL CANDIDATE CHARGED IN DRUG BUST AT LOCAL CHURCH

A Toronto mayoral candidate was one of 23 people arrested Wednesday in
connection with an investigation into an alleged marijuana trafficking
operation at the Church of the Universe on Queen St. E.

Complaints from local residents and businesses sparked the month-long
undercover probe, which was conducted by the drug squad and 55 Division.

Police allege the operators of the church sold membership cards to
marijuana buyers and sold marijuana and smoking paraphernalia to the
membership.

The premise was also allegedly used as a smoke lounge by the buyers.

One man had a permit to possess marijuana for personal medicinal use
from Health Canada. However, police allege he and his associates had
no authority to traffic marijuana, and he was allegedly in possession
of amounts far in excess of what was authorized.

Police laid 205 drug-related charges after executing a search warrant
Wednesday and allegedly seizing items including 4,500 grams of
marijuana, 150 marijuana plants, 1,200 grams of hashish, growing
equipment, smoking paraphernalia and $6,397 in cash.

"I'm pleased that this has happened," said Ward 32 Councillor Sandra
Bussin (Beaches-East York). "I've had a lot of calls from parents
concerned about what was going on there."

Twelve people, who allegedly purchased marijuana at the premise, were
charged with possessing marijuana.