More than 72,000 illicit cannabis plants with a value of more than $122 million and three firearms have been seized following an investigation into an organized criminal network allegedly operating illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. A total of 10 individuals, including six non-community members, were arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Cannabis Act.
In April 2025, the Tyendinaga Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began an investigation into illicit cannabis production sites reportedly controlled by non-Indigenous organized criminal networks, aided by a limited number of community members. The majority of the profits from these operations were not invested in or utilized by the community.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and Wednesday, September 24, 2025, several search warrants were executed at four illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory by members from:
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 engaged to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and assist in the seizure of offence-related property.
The Tyendinaga Police Service and the OPP would like to thank 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, and further details will be released as they become available.
Ten people have been charged in connection with the investigation. All were released with a court date in Belleville on November 5th.
Eugene AGYMANG (age 41) of Newmarket, Lap-Thi LE (age 40) of British Columbia, Van Duong LE (age 58) of British Columbia, Van Son LE (age 39) of British Columbia, Hong Quang NGUYEN (age 42) of British Columbia, Huu-Phlloc NGUYEN (age 60) of British Columbia all face one count of Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, contrary to s. 12(4)(a) of the Cannabis Act (CA).
Jessi Hill CORBY (age 46) of Belleville faces two counts of Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, contrary to s. 12(4)(a) of the Cannabis Act (CA).
Bryan Paul BRANT (age 56) of Oshawa faces charges of:
– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to s. 91(1) of the Criminal Code (CC)
– Careless storage of a firearm, s. 86(1) CC
– Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Ian WEED (age 43) of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Tara WEED (age 43) of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory both face five charges.
– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to s. 91(1) CC
– Careless storage of a firearm, s. 86(1) CC
– Mischief, interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property, s. 430(1)(c) CC
– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, s. 354(1)(a) CC
– Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
(PAUL MARTIN)
