3 arrested in Polk County for operating 'Cannibus,' mobile marijuana dispensary: Grady Judd
POLK COUNTY, Fla. - Three people were arrested in Polk County for operating a mobile marijuana dispensary, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Sheriff Judd gave details on three arrests and the seizure of the ‘Cannibus,’ which he said was being used to illegally sell marijuana in multiple counties across Florida.
Photo courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Jimmy Andrial, Bianca Andrial, and Daniel McCreary were arrested and face several narcotic charges after deputies infiltrated in the bus in the Clermont area of unincorporated Polk County on Wednesday.
Deputies were initially tipped off by a report from a concerned citizen who said a bus was selling marijuana illegally in the area.
They found a sign on the inside of the bus, stating, ‘NO MEDICAL CARD? NO PROPBLEM! USE OURS! FOR $5.’ Deputies clarified that the use of another person's medical marijuana card to purchase marijuana is illegal in Florida.
Photos courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office
According to Judd, the bus did sell legal hemp, but they also sold illegal marijuana, as well.
"The reality of it is, marijuana is not healthy," said Judd. "It's dangerous. And there's mountains of evidence to show that."
Judd said the dispensary advertised online that they were the first recreational dispensary of cannabis, which Judd said is not legal.
He gave details on the three people arrested, including Jimmy Andrial, who has been charged 96 times in the past, including four trips to prison and 48 previous felonies.
"The front was that this was medical marijuana and legal hemp," Judd said. "And the illegal marijuana was underneath the counter."
"This is no joke. This is abuse of what the people of the State of Florida intended to be medical marijuana for the very sickest."
According to Judd, while deputies were investigating outside the bus, four different people showed up trying to buy marijuana. He said that left him shocked.
PCSO reported that their investigation is still ongoing, and they are actively looking into the suppliers of both the marijuana and the packaging materials.
Paul Armentano, the Deputy Director of the advocacy organization National Organization For the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, disagrees with the sheriff's opinion.
"His opinions are out of step with the majority of the American people on this policy," said Armentano. "No, it's not reality at all. The amendment is very clear: only existing licensed dispensaries can sell marijuana. That's not going to change and individuals who violate those rules will violate the law and will continue to be subject to arrest and prosecution just like these folks right now."
The press conference is expected to start at 10 a.m.
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