Law enforcement in Nova Scotia is calling out the provincial government over dramatic claims about illegal cannabis shops that police say simply don't hold up under scrutiny.
The RCMP has dismissed recent assertions made by Nova Scotia's Minister of L'nu Affairs Leah Martin, who alleged during a legislative committee meeting in late March that unregulated cannabis dispensaries are selling firearms and trafficking women alongside illicit drugs.
What the Minister Said
During the March 27 committee hearing, Martin referenced community deaths and described raids that she claimed uncovered far more than just cannabis.
"We've seen some that sell guns, some that sell mushrooms, some that sell cocaine, women," Martin stated, adding that she bases these assertions on conversations with community members.
Her comments follow similar unsubstantiated claims made by Premier Tim Houston and Justice Minister Scott Armstrong, who previously alleged connections between unregulated cannabis markets and both fentanyl distribution and human trafficking.
What Police Actually Found
The RCMP told a different story. An official RCMP spokesperson confirmed that while officers have discovered "other illicit items" during dispensary raids—including cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms—the evidence doesn't support the government's most serious allegations.
In the Southwest Nova RCMP district, officers seized 18 firearms during dispensary searches. However, the force stated explicitly: "there's no evidence to support charges related to firearms trafficking."
Regarding human trafficking, the RCMP acknowledged that while both crimes theoretically could overlap in the same marketplace, "The Nova Scotia RCMP isn't aware of any evidence showing a direct connection between human trafficking and illegal cannabis markets."
Halifax Regional Police offered similar findings. Officers have found psilocybin mushrooms and a small quantity of cocaine during searches, but noted that "Human trafficking and firearms have not been linked to any investigation or enforcement HRP has been involved in."
Growing Political Controversy
The government's rhetoric has sparked fierce backlash, particularly from First Nations leaders who argue the province is employing outdated colonial tactics to villainize Indigenous communities and undermine treaty rights.
Police-led raids targeting dispensaries—many located in First Nations communities—have triggered two temporary highway blockades that disrupted traffic during the Easter long weekend, signalling the deep tensions surrounding the enforcement campaign.
When asked what evidence supports Martin's claims, her office declined to provide specifics, instead citing "constant" contact with Mi'kmaq communities and private discussions where concerns about illegal activity are raised.
This story was originally reported by Global News.