-UPDATE #1- ILLICIT CANNABIS PRODUCTION SITES DISMANTLED ON TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY

Additional Charges Laid and Illicit Cannabis Plants Seized

(TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY, ON) - 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 between Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

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, 2025, and Wednesday, September 24, 2025. 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, 2025, and Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 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

Information on the accused and their respective charges is included in the attached Addendum of Charged Persons.

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.