BUDLEDEC FIRST NATION, NS – A recent RCMP raid on a cannabis shop located on Budledec First Nation has ignited tensions within the community, resulting in protests and calls for a re-evaluation of cannabis regulations, according to a CBC News broadcast Monday evening.

Police executed a search warrant on Thursday, seizing cannabis products and arresting two individuals. Residents described the RCMP’s actions, which reportedly involved drawn firearms and shouting, as traumatizing.

Kenny Basque, who operates the raided cannabis shop, stated he felt like a criminal during the raid but was exercising his treaty rights. He confirmed the shop is now open again.

One band councillor stated the RCMP had been building trust with Budledec First Nation in recent years, but this raid has severely damaged that relationship.

Nova Scotia’s government has offered to meet with representatives from First Nations communities to discuss the situation. The government affirmed that the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Control Act remain the law of the land in the province and country.

Separate Investigation: Car Export Businesses Linked to Vehicle Thefts in Montreal

The CBC News broadcast also featured a separate investigation into a surge in car thefts in Montreal, linking numerous car export businesses to the illicit trade. Investigators found that stolen vehicles were being shipped overseas from warehouses disguised as storage facilities.

According to police documents, a warehouse in Saint Laurent was found to be loading stolen cars onto shipping containers, operating as the headquarters of an organized criminal group. More than 30 stolen vehicles were reportedly loaded at this location. Albert Chiyoyo, owner of Albert Logistique, is identified in police documents as being in charge of the operation, but has not been charged with a crime.

Chiyoyo is now operating a new company, C&N Matla Express, from a U-Haul storage centre, but sources claim the business is still operating out of a warehouse where cars are loaded onto shipping containers. He did not respond to requests for comment.

Freight forwarders interviewed by CBC News stated Montreal is a hub for exporters shipping stolen cars overseas, often offering high prices for shipments. Several companies were identified in inspection documents as being involved in the trade, some claiming to be used car dealers or involved in clothing shipments.

Prosecutors in Quebec indicated updates on the police investigation are expected in the coming months.

Prediction Markets and Regulatory Scrutiny

The broadcast also covered the growing world of prediction markets, platforms where users bet on the outcome of real-world events. These markets are facing increased scrutiny from regulators due to concerns about abuse, insider trading, and potential influence on event outcomes.

Calci and Polymarket processed $17 billion U.S. in daily trades in January alone. The U.S. is considering a bill to ban sports event contracts on these platforms, and Arizona’s attorney general has filed criminal charges against Calci for operating an illegal gambling operation.

In Canada, short-term prediction markets are largely banned, but Wealthsimple has been authorized to run a limited market with restrictions.

Ye Denied Entry to UK Over Antisemitic Remarks

Finally, the broadcast reported on rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) being denied entry to the UK due to previous antisemitic remarks. His scheduled performance at the Wireless summer music festival in London was cancelled, with the UK Prime Minister stating he should not have been invited. Ye has apologized for his remarks, attributing them to bipolar disorder, but the decision sparked debate about free speech.