Ontario Provincial Police have announced a massive seizure of illicit cannabis plants valued at over $79 million during a major enforcement operation on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Major Police Operation Targets Illegal Grow Operations
The coordinated investigation involved officers from the OPP, Tyendinaga Mohawk Police Service, and Canada Border Services Agency executing seven search warrants at six locations between October 1 and October 7, 2025. The enforcement action represents the second phase of a larger crackdown on illegal cannabis production in the southeastern Ontario region.
Police confiscated 46,700 illicit cannabis plants along with four pounds of dried cannabis, THC extract, and substantial quantities of contraband tobacco products. The total value of seized items exceeded $79 million for the cannabis plants alone.
Significant Contraband and Charges Laid
Beyond the cannabis operations, authorities discovered and seized 3.7 million contraband cigarettes and 35,600 kilograms of fine-cut contraband tobacco with an estimated value of more than $9.6 million. Police also took possession of commercial-level cigarette production equipment and other offence-related property valued at approximately $358,400.
The operation resulted in 53 criminal charges being laid against 24 individuals, several of whom faced additional charges following earlier enforcement actions. Among those charged were residents from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Toronto, Belleville, Mississauga, Windsor, and other Ontario communities.
Organized Crime Exploitation and Community Impact
Tyendinaga Police Service Acting Sergeant Chris Brinklow emphasized that the enforcement has revealed the extent to which non-community members have exploited indigenous land for criminal profit. Nineteen of the twenty-four individuals charged were non-community members with alleged ties to organized crime networks.
"These operations have enriched organized crime while offering no benefit to our people," Brinklow stated. "The Tyendinaga Police Service remains committed to protecting our territory and ensuring that those who violate our rights and responsibilities are held accountable."
The latest seizure brings the total number of illicit cannabis plants confiscated during the multi-phase operation to approximately 119,000, with an overall estimated street value exceeding $200 million. The investigation highlights ongoing challenges in regulating cannabis production in indigenous territories following Canada's legalization of recreational cannabis.
