8 charged after $2.8M in illicit cannabis seized on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

Eight individuals have been charged after authorities dismantled an illicit cannabis cultivation operation on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and seized nearly $3 million worth of cannabis. The investigation, which commenced in August, initially targeted a production site suspected of involvement with a non-Indigenous criminal network.

Ontario Provincial Police executed a search warrant on September 9, aided by multiple OPP units. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 5,560 cannabis plants, valued at $2.78 million, along with 34 kilograms of cannabis trim, valued at about $34,000. Additionally, police recovered $1,880 in Canadian currency and ten cellphones.

Eight people, aged between 41 and 69, have each been charged under the Cannabis Act for cannabis cultivation and possession with intent to distribute. One of the accused resides on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, while the remaining seven are from Scarborough. The police stated that the investigation is ongoing.