WEED MINISTER BUSTED AT COURT

HAMILTON, Ont. -- A minister of a sect that uses marijuana for religious
sacraments was arrested yesterday at a hearing for his spiritual leader,
police said. Michael Baldasaro, 54, was arrested while attending a bail
hearing for Walter Tucker, a founding member of the Church of the Universe.
Tucker, 71, was arrested and charged with drug trafficking on Tuesday when
drug officers found six kilograms of marijuana, $2,100 in cash and drug
paraphernalia at his church, Hamilton police said. Baldasaro also faces
charges of drug trafficking and possession of marijuana for the purposes of
trafficking.

Hamilton police Supt. Ken Bond said the charges were the result of a
year-long undercover operation prompted by complaints from area residents
about increased traffic near the building and possible drug dealing.