Quebec provincial police create squad to crack down on contraband cannabis

Quebec provincial police load marijuana plants cut from a farmer's field into a rental truck on Sept. 23, 2004. (Les Perreaux / CP)

SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD, Que. -- Quebec provincial police say they'll continue to crack down on the illegal production of cannabis as consumption is set to become legal across the country in less than a month.

The force announced today a new unit to fight illegal cannabis is modelled on programs that already exist to combat alcohol smuggling and illegal tobacco products.

It will include 54 new members from provincial and municipal forces across the province who will combat smuggling -- including online smuggling.

The Cannabis Act comes into effect on Oct. 17, making recreational use of cannabis legal.

But certain activities that fall outside the legal framework will remain subject to criminal or penal offences such as production, possession for the purpose of trafficking, selling on the black market as well as importing and exporting cannabis.

In Quebec, a provincial law adopted in June stipulates that cultivating cannabis for personal purposes is illegal.

Quebecers will be able to purchase cannabis online or stores of the provincially run corporation, an independently run subsidiary of the Quebec Liquor Corp.