Ontario Provincial Police are releasing the figures from a massive investigation into an organized criminal network allegedly operating illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Police conducted a series of drug busts last week culminating in more than 72,000 illicit cannabis plants with a value of more than $122 million and three firearms were seized.
Ten individuals, including six non-community members, were arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Cannabis Act.
The Tyendinaga Police Service and the OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began an investigation into illicit cannabis production sites controlled by non-Indigenous organized criminal networks, aided by a limited number of community members, in April 2025.
Police say the majority of the profits from these operations was not invested in or utilized by the community.
Several search warrants were executed at four illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on September 23 and September 24.
The following police units were involved in the execution of the warrants:
- OPP OCEB
- Tyendinaga Police Service
- OPP Provincial Liaison Team
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Canine Unit
- OPP East Region detachment members
- OPP Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team
- OPP Clandestine Laboratory Investigative Response Team
- OPP Offender Transport Unit
- OPP Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement
- OPP East Region Community Street Crime Units
- Canada Border Services Agency
As a result of this investigation, officers halted unlawful diversion of water from the Bay of Quinte and seized the following with approximate quantities:
- 72,000 illicit cannabis plants valued at more than $122 million
- Three firearms
- Ammunition
- Numerous items as offence-related property, valued at approximately $530,000
The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit has been brought in to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and help in the seizure of offence-related property.
The Tyendinaga Police Service and the OPP thanked the Ottawa Police Service Air Support Unit, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Hiawatha First Nation Policing Services and Anishinabek Police Service for their support during this investigation.
This investigation is ongoing, with police saying that further details will be released as they become available.
QUOTES
“The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau is committed to working alongside the Tyendinaga Police Service to address organized criminal activity, including illegal cannabis production. Through close collaboration with Tyendinaga Police Service, the OPP Indigenous Policing Bureau and its Provincial Liaison Team, we are taking meaningful steps to support community safety.” – Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OPP OCEB
“We want to thank our community for their patience throughout this investigation. Non-community members have jeopardized community safety and taken advantage of our land. Investigators discovered illegal dumping sites with significant environmental impacts. A local quarry was depleted, negatively affecting the water table within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. The projected profits have served only to benefit organized criminal networks. While a small number of community members may have been involved, the financial gains were not reinvested into the community. The exploitation of Indigenous communities and lands by organized crime is a serious violation of our rights and responsibilities – and it will not be tolerated.” – Acting Chief Chris Brinklow, Tyendinaga Police Service
