3 people, 4 companies charged in illicit online cannabis operation

Calgary police and city inspectors have charged three people and four companies in relation to an illegal online cannabis operation in asouthwest apartment where cannabis products were manufactured.

Police say they were called to a suite in the 1200 block of 17th AvenueS.W. on Aug. 24 for reports of a break and enter and found the illegal cannabis operation inside.

The residents were not home.

Later that day, police say, they obtained a warrant and seized about $163,000 worth of products, including dried cannabis, joints, edibles, oils and infused creams.

Denied licences

Police say that during the investigation, evidence was obtained that confirmed an illegal online cannabis business was being operated.

"Two individuals, who were originally denied licences by AGLC[Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis commission) and the City of Calgary, were believed to have been operating the illicit online sales."

Those two individuals, Chrissy Jennifer Jahntzand Craig Graydon Douglas Bushell, are believed to have fled Calgary and are likely in Nova Scotia.

Jahntzis 34 and described as white, five feet six inches tall, 100 poundsand with blond hair and blue eyes.

Bushell, 40, is described as white, five feet 10 inches tall, 165 pounds. He is bald and has hazel eyes.

Both are now wanted on warrants for possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling.

Facing charges

Police also say the manager of the building where the operation was found was complicit. Scott Raymond Tulk, along with Jahntz and Bushell and four companies Vista Group Inc., Graydon Green Compassion Cluband Alberta numbered companies 2007668 and 2099942 face severalcharges:

• Unlawfully carrying on the business of a cannabis store without a valid licence.
• Operating a cannabis store without a development permit.
• Operating a cannabis facility that is not a permitted or a discretionary use in the land use district.

Vista Group is the company that owns the building where the cannabis was found and it's not believed to be involved in the cannabis operation.

The criminal charges could result in fines of $5,000 or up to 14 years in jail, while the regulatory charges could result in fines up to $10,000 or up to six months in jail.

Legal online sales

Calgary police say fabrication of cannabis extracts can cause explosions, endangering public safety.

"The only legal way to purchase cannabis online in Alberta is through the AGLC website, AlbertaCannabis.org," said Det. Chris Pollock in a news release.

"If you are purchasing from other sites, you are enabling this kind of dangerous activity right in your own neighbourhood. We will not stand for people putting our communities at risk for the sake of a quick buck."

Police say the investigation is ongoing and there could be more charges.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jahntz or Bushellare asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.