Police in Nova Scotia have started investigations after several Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) vehicles were damaged during protests linked to a raid on a cannabis store in a First Nation community.
Authorities confirmed that seven police vehicles left behind during the protest were later recovered with the help of leaders from Potlotek First Nation. Most of the vehicles had visible damage, including broken windows, slashed tires, and one car missing its wheels.
The protest followed a police operation at a cannabis shop in the community, where two individuals were arrested and products seized. Demonstrators responded by blocking nearby roads, including parts of a major highway.
A local council member stated that members of the community were not responsible for the destruction, suggesting that outsiders may have caused the damage. He emphasized that such actions do not reflect the values of the Mi’kmaq people.
Police said officers left the scene on foot after securing their equipment, citing safety concerns due to the growing crowd. By the next day, community leaders had encouraged protesters to disperse, bringing an end to the remaining roadblocks.
The situation is part of a broader dispute over cannabis regulation. Some Mi’kmaq leaders argue that selling cannabis within their communities falls under their treaty rights and self-governance, while provincial authorities maintain that unregulated sales are illegal.
Community representatives expressed concern that the raid has damaged previously strong relationships with law enforcement, noting that rebuilding trust may take time.
Meanwhile, police say investigations into the incident including property damage, road blockages, and cannabis-related offences are ongoing.
