Abuse of the Law

These two letters-to-the-Editor of a local paper, NEED to be addressed! The first is the letter from an extremely concerned parent and father-in-law over the illegal search and seizure of his medical marijuana grow op, with the second letter written by the OPP in response.
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Dear Editor:

Detective Constable Landgraff of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau is out to get you! Early morning Thursday Feb 24 Landgraff and his posse of cowboy’s served a search warrant on a legal medical marijuana possession/production card holder in LaVallee Township, saying he was there to make a trafficking charge. Upon search of the card holders residence, having found no quantity of marijuana or evidence of trafficking Landgraff charged this young cancer patient with production of marijuana for being 6 plants over his quota. Even though this sick young man told Landgraff that he had to grow a few over his quota because of the mortality of his plants, having half or more die on him before maturity. This young man told Landgraff that he has never had more than 6 of his allotted 10 plants make it to maturity. He then told Landgraff he used this legal drug as an appetite inducer and nausea suppresser after his many chemo treatments and operations. Anyone with family members struck by this terrible disease knows it’s amazing what this drug can do for nausea and appetite. These patients need to keep their weight and strength up for their continuing fight. For most of us you’d think that would be enough proof and back off, but not Detective Constable Landgraff. He persists, telling this sick young man that if he gives him any names of other Medical Marijuana card holders or other law breakers that one call to the Crown Attorney and this would all go away. This young cancer patient, showing great integrity, refused to give them any names. Shame on you Detective Constable Landgraff. The end of it you might say. But wait- leaving nothing to substantiate a trafficking charge and only a cheap production charge amounting to about 1.5 ounces dried marijuana including leaf, stalk, and even some dirt which police valued at over $37,000 making it worth over $1000/gram- Ridiculous! The ever persistent Landgraff decides to charge this sick young man’s wife. Wow how unbelievable- this young wife has done nothing but suffer along side her sick young husband through the terrible chemo treatments, operations, the uncertainty of what the future holds for them and the enormous stress of every CT Scan that they have faced and are about to face with his ongoing health condition. This young couple could be your son, daughter, family or friend. So does Landgraff deserve a pat on the back or a swift kick in the back of his pants, you decide.

Sincerely,
(Name withheld) concerned Father& Father-in-law


Dear Editor:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide context to a recent letter to the editor ( March 9, 2011 -- “Medical Marijuana card holders beware”) and correct the record. Firstly, let me say that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) truly understand and appreciate the circumstances that lead individuals to seek legal means to medically manage pain and reduce suffering caused by serious illness and major injuries. Our heart goes out to them, and the family members and friends who help them cope with emotionally trying circumstances. The professional services provided by members of the OPP are of the highest standards and a benchmark in law enforcement in North America. We make every effort to ensure our policies and procedures are open and accountable to the people in the communities we serve throughout Ontario. The decision to commence and conduct any investigation is not done in isolation and without compassion nor is the responsibility to act on our public safety mandate taken lightly. The OPP stands behind the actions of its officers and the information distributed on our media release The OPP respects the jurisdiction of the courts to grant search warrants based on the grounds provided by police and the rights of individuals to have their charges heard by the courts. Since this matter is currently before the courts, we must let that process take place and are unable to engage in further public discussion. But we welcome the opportunity to meet with anyone who has questions or concerns about their dealings with the OPP directly.

Signed,
Supt. Ronald S. van Straalen,
Regional Commander, OPP
North West Region