Eight individuals have been charged after more than $2.8 million in illicit cannabis plants and processed cannabis were seized at an illicit cannabis grow operation on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
In August 2026, the Tyendinaga Police Service initiated an investigation into an illicit cannabis production site on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory involving a non-Indigenous criminal network. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) was subsequently requested to assist with the investigation.
On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, a search warrant was executed at a property on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory by members from:
- Tyendinaga Police Service
- OPP PJFCET
- OPP Provincial Liaison Team
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Canine Unit
- OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit
As a result of the investigation, officers seized the following:
- Approximately 5,560 illicit cannabis plants valued at approximately $2.78 million
- 34 kilograms of cannabis shake valued at approximately $34,000
- C$1,880
- 10 cell phones
The following eight individuals have each been charged contrary to the Cannabis Act with cultivate illicit cannabis, section 12(1), and possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution, section 9(2):
- Mario Maurice BAPTISTE Jr., age 41 of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
- Alan CHEONG, age 51 of Scarborough
- Bao Xia FENG, age 53 of Scarborough
- Cai Xia FU, age 69 of Scarborough
- Gaofeng LI, age 56 of Scarborough
- Xiu Juan LIU, age 65 of Scarborough
- Chuan Cai WANG, age 61 of Scarborough
- Yiping WU, age 60 of Scarborough
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale or production of cannabis should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
QUOTES
“Criminal networks continue to seek opportunities to profit from illicit cannabis production, often exploiting communities and undermining public safety in the process. Working alongside the Tyendinaga Police Service, this successful operation reflects our shared commitment to disrupting illegal cannabis operations, protecting communities and preventing criminal networks from generating profits through these illegal activities.” – Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
“We appreciate the support provided by our policing partners throughout this investigation. This operation targeted an illegal cannabis cultivation site operating within our territory. While a small number of community members may become involved in such activities, investigations have consistently shown that significant profits generated by these operations often benefit individuals and organized criminal interests from outside the community. Protecting our lands, community safety and the integrity of our territory remains a priority. The Tyendinaga Police Service will not tolerate outside criminal networks coming into our community and exploiting our lands for their gains.” – Acting Sergeant Nathan Leland, Tyendinaga Police Service
