2 illegal dispensaries raided by Ottawa police, 7 people charged

Seven people have been arrested and charged after Ottawa police raided two illegal marijuana dispensaries Tuesday afternoon. 

Police executed search warrants at the Magna Terra Health Services dispensaries on Carling Avenue and Iber Road in Stittsville.

Items seized include a loaded handgun, marijuana, oils and various edibles, according to a statement issued by the Ottawa Police Service.

Two of the seven people arrested were expected to appear in court Wednesday. The charges range from possession of a restricted firearm without a licence to various drug-related offences. 

Police say storefront operations are illegal and laws will be enforced.

"Drugs and guns are continually being found in close proximity to each other and anyone thinking illegal drug trafficking from behind a storefront counter is safer than on a street corner is fooling themselves," Staff Sgt. Rick Carey is quoted saying in a news release.

Dispensaries have continued to open across Canada ahead of the federal government's promise to introduce legislation in the spring legalizing the use of recreational marijuana.