Cirque du Soleil founder detained for growing cannabis on a private island

by druginc

Cirque du Soleil founder detained for growing cannabis on a private island

The co-founder of the worldwide circus company Cirque du Soleil has been detained for growing cannabis on his private island in the South Pacific.

Billionaire Guy Laliberté reported to the police in French Polynesia.

The Canadian entrepreneur will appear in court on Wednesday.

In a statement, Mr. Laliberté's Lune Rouge company denied growing the plant on his private island of Nukutepipi for commercial gain.

It said he used cannabis for "medical" and "strictly personal" purposes.

"Guy Laliberté distances himself completely from any rumor that implies that he is engaged in the sale or trade of drugs," said the press release.

Local television station Polynésie Première reported that police questioned an employee of Mr Laliberté weeks ago on suspicion of drug possession. They reportedly found images of marijuana plantations on this employee's cell phone.

In 2015, Cirque du Soleil was sold to US and Chinese investors, but Mr. Laliberté still retains a minority stake.

Source including BBC (EN)

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