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Radical Riz in PrisonTony Rizzo was in jail for 45 days, just for selling pipes. He hasn't even gone to trial yet.~by Dana Larsen 
Tony Rizzo owns a store called Radical Riz's Hemp Supplies, located in Peterborough, Ontario. The store has been raided twice since it opened on July 29, and Tony Rizzo has spent over 45 days in jail, without trial, simply for selling pipes and returning to his own store.
raidsOntario Provincial Police first raided Tony Rizzo's fledgling store on August 7. They seized pipes, hemp seed treats, herbal tea detoxifiers, hemp wallets, and anything else they could get their hands on. 25 year old owner Tony was charged with possession of illicit drug paraphernalia banned under section 462.2 of the Criminal Code, as well as possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles) and possession of one gram of marijuana. Since Tony didn't shut down his store, the Ontario Police raided it again on August 30 and cleaned him out once more. He was charged with 462.2 again, possession of yet another gram of marijuana, and two breaches of the terms of his bail. Between the two raids, police seized about $10,000 in merchandise from the newly opened Radical Riz's, yet although the store is financially wounded, they are still in business. bailAfter the second arrest, Tony was released from jail under very strict bail conditions, which included not possessing or offering for sale any paraphernalia or rolling papers, as well as not possessing, purchasing or using any non-medically prescribed drugs. Tony was also ordered to stay away from store manager Cory Cowling and not contact him, indirectly or directly. Cory has not been charged with any offence, and is also Tony Rizzo's friend. The bail conditions simply underlined that the intent of the police raids was to drive Tony out of business, first by seizing his assets, and then by keeping him from running his own store. jailTony defied the undreasonable bail conditions, and returned to his store for a few minutes on September 30. He was spotted by police who had the location under surveillance, and they quickly arrested him. He was charged with violation of his bail requirements and locked up for 45 days, until November 15. It's worth noting that, although section 462.2 is commonly used to intimidate and harass store owners and to drive them out of business, no-one has ever been found guilty of violating section 462.2 in Canada. It's likely that the law would crumble under any serious legal challenge, as it is obviously unconstitutional. It serves the prohibitionist system well to use this law to destroy businesses without ever having to go to trial. rallyOn Saturday, October 5 there was a "Extravaganja" rally at Peterborough's "Paranoia Park", in support of the incarcerated Tony Rizzo. Hemp BC's Marc Emery spoke and raffled off an ounce of BC's finest, but since police busted two people for smoking joints at the rally the winner made private arrangements to collect his prize. helpTony Rizzo needs your help. If you're in Peterborough, make a point of visiting Radical Riz's Hemp Supplies and making a few purchases. If you live elsewhere but want to help Tony fight against this ridiculous police oppression and harassment, then send him a cheque or money order along with your letter of support.
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