Hempfest = busted x 152

The following announcement about Hempfest 2007 was released this morning by the Ontario Provincial Police.

SooToday.com's Slackhopper attended the event and writes: "with its gradual and continuous growth year after year, Hempfest is sure to be bigger and better next year when it celebrates its tenth anniversary. I feel an extended visit in 2008 may be in order."

To read Slackhopper's full coverage and see her event photos, please click here.

************************* 152 charges laid at Hempfest 2007

HAVILAH, ON - During the weekend, members of the East Algoma Thessalon OPP, the East Algoma OPP Crime Unit and the Sault Ste. Marie Drug Enforcement Section held an extremely successfully three-day RIDE initiative in the small hamlet of Havilah, Ontario.

The RIDE was held due to the heavy influx of traffic in the area during Hempfest 2007.

Havilah is located approximately 30 kilometres north of Bruce Mines, Ontario.

As a result of this project, a multitude of charges were laid.

CDSA (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) – 32 charges - Most for possession of marijuana.

- Includes one large seizure of approximately two pounds of marijuana whose owner was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

- Also, one seizure of psilocybin (magic mushrooms).

Criminal – 11 charges

- Four weapons charges for possession of prohibited weapons (three knives and one spiked wrist band).

- Three counts of breach of probation.

- One Canada-wide warrant executed for breach X 5 on a young person.

Liquor – seven charges

- All for open liquor in a vehicle or minor person in possession of liquor.

HTA (Highway Traffic Act) – 102 charges

- 17 suspended or unlicenced drivers charged.

- 16 vehicles that were unfit for road or didn't have proper documentation taken off road and towed.

- Five roadside tests were administered.

The East Algoma OPP would like to thank the public for their assistance during this initiative. *************************