'Prince of Pot' arrested; U.S. seeks extradition

Marc Emery, the leader of the B.C. Marijuana Party and self-described "Prince of Pot" has been arrested in Halifax.

At the same time as Halifax RCMP were taking Emery into custody, several Vancouver police officers raided Emery's West Hastings Street marijuana seed and paraphernalia store. The raid was done on behalf of the American government.

Authorization for the raid was given Thursday by Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm of the B.C. Supreme Court under the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act.

Marc Emery in Charlottetown, PEI July 2003

• INDEPTH: Marijuana

The U.S. Department of Justice is requesting Emery's extradition from Canada.

The U.S. Attorney General alleges Emery conspired to manufacture marijuana, distribute marijuana seeds and launder money.

Rodney Benson, a special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, says the charges relate to Emery's online business selling marijuana seeds.

Benson says Emery has sold $3 million worth of seeds mostly to the U.S.

If Emery is convicted as charged, he faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in jail or a maximum of life in prison.

• FROM AUGUST 20, 2004: Pot advocate sentenced to jail

About two dozen marijuana activists held a rally outside the store, named Toker's Bowl, Friday afternoon.