Radical Repression!

Radical Riz's Hemp Supplies in Peterborough, Ontario, has been raided twice since its opening at the beginning of August. Owner Tony Rizzo is now in jail, where he's been since Monday, charged with violation of his bail conditions for being in his own store.

During the first raid on August 7, police seized pipes, rolling papers, bongs, hemp seed treats, herbal tea detoxifiers, a hemp card game, hemp wallets and postage stamp scales. 25 year old owner Tony Rizzo was charged with possession of illicit drug paraphernalia banned under section 462.2 of the Criminal Code, possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles) and possession of one gram of marijuana.

The second raid on August 30 saw police seize pipes, bongs, ziplock baggies, rollies, extra bowls, vials and scales. Rizzo was charged with 462.2 again, possession of yet another gram of marijuana, and two breaches of his recognizance. After the second arrest, Rizzo was released from jail under very strict bail conditions, which include:

Not to possess or offer for sale any instrument or rolling paper that can be used for illicit drug consumption
Abstain absolutely from the possession, purchase and consumption of non-medically prescribed drugs
Remain away from Cory Cowling and not contact him, indirectly or directly. (Cory Cowling is the manager of Radical Riz's Hemp Supplies, and has not been charged at all).
Remain away from 406 George St North, Peterborough. (The location of Radical Riz's Hemp Supplies).

Tony Rizzo complained that the bail conditions made it difficult for him to run his business as he wasn't allowed into his own store and can't talk to his friend and store manager Cory Cowling.

He also explained how police have seized about $10,000 worth of merchandise.

There's another store in Peterborough that also carries pipes and paraphernalia, and at least 11 locations in Ontario to buy pipes and bongs.

A petition in the store in support of Tony Rizzo has gathered over 3000 signatures.

Rizzo was in his store on Monday, and he was arrested and charged with violation of his parole. He expects to be released on Tuesday.

On Saturday, October 5 at 2pm there will be a "Extravaganja" rally in support of Radical Riz's at "Paranoia Park", (end of Simco St by Ramada Inn). Hemp BC's Marc Emery will be there to raffle off one ounce of BC's kindest bundle of nugs.

For more information about all of this stuff, call Radical Riz's at 705-749-6109, or Tony Rizzo's home number at 705-749-0496. Rizzo's lawyer Jim Hauraney can be reached 705-748-2333. We have no email address at this time.

Dana Larsen (muggles@hempbc.com) Editor, Cannabis Canada, "Canada's National Magazine of Marijuana & Hemp" Join the Cannabis Canada News and Information Email List!