Police say an additional 46,700 illicit cannabis plants have been seized, and 53 charges were laid against 24 individuals following enforcement efforts on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory . Six of the 24 were from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, one from Belleville, with the rest being from the GTA, Windsor, or of no fixed addressl.
Stemming from an investigation into illicit cannabis production sites involving non-Indigenous organized criminal networks on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, several search warrants were executed on Tuesday, September 23 and Wednesday, September 24.
Four illicit cannabis production sites were dismantled leading to the seizure of 72,000 illicit cannabis plants, and 21 charges laid against 10 individuals.
Enforcement continued with the execution of seven search warrants at six locations on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory between Wednesday, October 1, and Tuesday, October 7 by members from:
- Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB)
- Tyendinaga Police Service
- OPP Provincial Liaison Team
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Canine Unit
- OPP Aviation Unit
- OPP East Region detachments
- 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, officers seized the following with approximate quantities:
- 46,700 illicit cannabis plants valued at more than $79 million
- 4 lbs of dried illicit cannabis
- a quantity of THC extract
- 3,700,000 contraband cigarettes and 35,600 kg of fine cut contraband tobacco, with a combined value of more than $9.8 million
- commercial-level cigarette production equipment
- numerous items as offence-related property, valued at approximately $358,400
The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit has been engaged to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and assist in the seizure of offence-related property.
The Tyendinaga Police Service and the OPP thank the Ottawa Police Service Air Support Unit, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Hiawatha First Nation Policing Services and Anishinabek Police Service for their continued support.
Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale or production of cannabis should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
QUOTES
“The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau continued to work closely with the Tyendinaga Police Service to disrupt illegal cannabis operations linked to organized crime. This latest enforcement action reflects our shared commitment to community safety.”
– C hief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OPP OCEB
“We are grateful for the continued patience and support of our community as this investigation continued. The second phase of enforcement has concluded, further exposing the extent to which non-community members have exploited our land for profit. The enforcement between September 24 and October 7 resulted in the seizure of more than 118,000 illicit cannabis plants valued at more than $200 million from numerous illegal production sites in our community. A total of 19 non-community members have been charged. These operations have enriched organized crime while offering no benefit to our people. The Tyendinaga Police Service remains committed to protecting our territory and ensuring that those who violate our rights and responsibilities are held accountable.”
– Acting Sergeant Chris Brinklow, Tyendinaga Police Service
Click below for information on the accused and their respective charges.
FINAL – Addendum of Charged Persons – Illicit Cannabis Production 17NOV2025
