Polk County Sheriff Arrests Operators of Cannibus Mobile Dispensary
Three individuals have been arrested in Polk County for running a mobile marijuana dispensary, as announced by Sheriff Grady Judd.
Sheriff Judd provided details about the three arrests and the confiscation of the ‘Cannibus,’ a vehicle allegedly used to sell marijuana illegally in various counties throughout Florida.
The suspects, identified as Jimmy Andrial, Bianca Andrial, and Daniel McCreary, are now facing multiple narcotics charges. Their arrests came after deputies infiltrated the bus in the Clermont area of unincorporated Polk County on Wednesday.
The investigation was prompted by a report from a concerned citizen who alerted authorities to a bus selling marijuana illegally in the area. Inside the bus, deputies found a sign reading, ‘NO MEDICAL CARD? NO PROBLEM! USE OURS! FOR $5.’ Authorities clarified that using someone else’s medical marijuana card to buy marijuana is illegal in Florida.
According to Judd, while the bus did sell legal hemp, it was also selling illegal marijuana.
"The reality of it is, marijuana is not healthy," said Judd. "It's dangerous. And there's mountains of evidence to show that."
Judd mentioned that the dispensary advertised online as the first recreational cannabis dispensary, a claim he noted is not legal. He went on to detail the criminal history of those arrested, particularly Jimmy Andrial, who has faced 96 charges in the past, including four stints in prison and 48 prior 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."
Judd added that during the deputies' investigation outside the bus, four different people approached, attempting to buy marijuana, which he said left him shocked.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) has stated that the investigation is still ongoing as they seek to identify the sources of both the marijuana and the packaging materials.
However, Paul Armentano, the Deputy Director of the advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), disagrees with Sheriff Judd’s views.
"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."
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