Tyendinaga Police and OPP personnel have put a wrap on a large-scale investigation into illicit cannabis production sites from earlier this fall.
An additional 46,700 illicit cannabis plants have been seized at a value of $79 million and 53 charges were laid against 24 individuals following enforcement efforts on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory between October 1 and October 7.
Along with that, investigators found four lbs. of dried illicit cannabis, a quantity of THC extract, $3.7 million in contraband cigarettes, 35,600 kg of fine cut contraband tobacco with a combined value of more than $9.8 million, commercial-level cigarette production equipment and numerous items as offence-related property, valued at approximately $358,400.
This is combined with the dismantling of four illicit cannabis production sites, the seizure of 72,000 illicit cannabis plants, and 21 charges laid against 10 individuals from the initial investigation September 23 and 24.
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More than 118,000 plants have been seized since the beginning of the investigation.
A list of the involved parties in the investigation is below.
- 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
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.
“A total of 19 non-community members have been charged. These operations have enriched organized crime while offering no benefit to our people,” stated Acting TPS Sgt. Chris Brinklow.
“The Tyendinaga Police Service remains committed to protecting our territory and ensuring that those who violate our rights and responsibilities are held accountable,”
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.
An addendum of all charged can be found at this link.
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