VANCOUVER, B.C. (CN) - Canadian police defamed a businessman after raiding an alleged "meth lab" that actually made legal chemicals, and falsely linking him to illegal drugs and the Hell's Angels, the man claims in court.
Kourosh Bakhtiari and his Ultrascience Male Research Corp. sued the Canadian government and the Vancouver Sun in B.C. Supreme Court, for a Royal Canadian Mounted Police raid of his apartment and warehouse on Dec. 15, 2011, and news coverage of it.
Bakhtiari's company makes pharmaceutical products, including an anti-hair loss product, and exports chemicals for industrial and commercial use, according to the complaint. The RCMP suspected it of making methamphetamine and ecstasy, according to the lawsuit.
Bakhtiari claims he was held for 14 hours by police, who recommended charges that prosecutors did not approve, and that his property was seized, damaged or destroyed.
He claims that police found no evidence of illegal drugs at his warehouse or apartment, but that didn't stop them from issuing a press release touting the raids as linked to the Hell's Angels.
The Vancouver Sun and its crime reporter Kim Bolan published an article and blog based on the police statement.
"Bakhtiari was not, is not and never has been a member or affiliate of any 'B.C. biker gang', nor were he and/or Ultrascience involved in the manufacture or distribution of illicit narcotics including methamphetamines," the complaint states.
Bakhtiari claims police provided false information to get search warrants, and knew the raids would harm him and his business.
He seeks punitive damages and compensation for business losses.
He is represented by Neil Chantler with A. Cameron Ward & Co.
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