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DEA.GOV
http://www.dea.gov

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Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.dea.gov/pubs/states/newsrel/seattle072905.html

News Release [print friendly page]
For More Information Contact:
Jeffrey M. Eig
Public Information Officer
Seattle Field Division
206-553-1411
July 29, 2005

"Prince of Pot" Arrested by US-Canadian Task Force
Major Distributor of Marijuana Federally Indicted in Seattle, Washington

JUL 29--(Seattle, WA) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Halifax Police Department arrested MARC EMERY, 47, of Vancouver, BC, today on a warrant issued from the Western District of Washington in Seattle. EMERY is accused of selling millions of dollars of marijuana seeds over the internet, though the mail, and in person to individuals in the United States and across the globe. The DEA, in an investigation of EMERY has traced his seeds to illegal marijuana crops in Indiana, Florida, California, Tennessee, Montana, Virginia, Michigan, New Jersey and North Dakota. An estimated 75% of the seeds EMERY sells are transported to the United States.

“The tentacles of the Mark Emery criminal enterprise reached out across North America to include all 50 United States and Canada,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodney G. Benson of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Mr. Emery utilized the internet to sell his marijuana seeds throughout this country to customers no matter their age. He directed his business with efficiency, was motivated by greed, and will now be prosecuted for this illegal activity.”

MARC EMERY has operated Marc Emery Direct since 1994, taking orders for marijuana seeds over the internet and is a well known figure in Canada as publisher of Cannabis Culture magazine, and leader of the BC Marijuana Party. According to the web site run by EMERY, he has made more than $3 million annually, illegally selling marijuana seeds. EMERY claims to stock the largest supply of marijuana seeds in the world and is considered the largest distributor of marijuana seeds. According to court filings, Emery seeds are associated with multiple illegal grow operations across the U.S.

EMERY and co-defendants GREGORY KEITH WILLIAMS, 50, of Vancouver, BC and MICHELLE RAINEY-FENKAREK, 34, of Vancouver, BC are charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana Seeds and Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering. The charges carry penalties of 10 years to life in prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington has filed an extradition request with Canada asking that all three defendants be brought to Seattle to stand trial.