SEVEN HELD IN CANNABIS CAFE RAID

Dorset Police Say They Will Arrest Users

Seven people have been arrested for alleged drugs offences after a police
raid on a cannabis cafe. Dorset Police raided the shop in Station Approach,
Bournemouth, on Wednesday night, as it was being featured in a BBC Two
documentary.

The Money Programme looked at the financial and legal issues surrounding
cannabis cafes in the UK. The show followed the proprietor, James Ward,
originally from the Manchester area, as he attended a training course in
Amsterdam on how to run a cannabis coffee shop.

The programme also featured his search for a location for the cafe in
Bournemouth and the troubles he encountered in setting up the venture.

There were 25 people in the cafe at the time of the raid.

Warrant Executed

Chief Inspector Nick Hazelton said: "A warrant under the Misuse of Drugs
Act was executed at Unit 15, Station Approach, Boscombe, Bournemouth, on
Wednesday 24 April.

"Twenty-five people were in the premises.

"There were seven arrests for drug-related offences and a quantity of
substance believed to be cannabis was recovered."

A total of 60 police officers as well as a police dog and handler were
involved in the raid.

Of the seven arrested, three men aged 17, 18, and 47 and a woman aged 21
were released on police bail.

A 30-year-old man is still being questioned while a 34-year-old man has
been charged and bailed to appear before Bournemouth magistrates court on
29 April.

A 28 year-old man was released.

Enforcment 'Duty'

Chief Inspector Hazelton added: "I am pleased with the results of the
operation.

"Once again, it shows Dorset Police's intention to deal appropriately with
offences at this enterprise.

"We are here to uphold the law and will continue to do so."

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Stanger said: "Dorset Police targets
dealers and users in the more harmful class A drugs like heroin and crack
cocaine.

"But clearly we will not tolerate the dealing in and use of cannabis
because it is an offence and our duty is to enforce the law."

Note: Once again, it shows Dorset Police's intention to deal appropriately
with offences at this enterprise. -- Chief Inspector Nick Hazelton