(TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY, ON) - 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 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.

“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