$122 Million Worth of Illicit Cannabis Seized on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have seized over $122 million worth of cannabis plants as part of an investigation into illicit cannabis production sites located on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in eastern Ontario. The operation targeted organized criminal networks exploiting the community's land.
Organized Crime Involvement
The OPP and Tyendinaga Police report that the cannabis production sites were controlled by non-Indigenous organized criminal networks. A "limited" number of community members allegedly aided these networks, leading to arrests and charges.
Arrests and Charges
Ten individuals are now facing charges under the Criminal Code and the Cannabis Act. Six of those charged are not members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, highlighting the external control over the illicit operations.
Seized Items and Environmental Impact
During the execution of search warrants, police seized more than 72,000 illicit cannabis plants, along with three firearms, ammunition, and other related items. The operation also uncovered and stopped an “unlawful diversion” of water from the Bay of Quinte to the cannabis production sites, revealing a significant environmental impact.
Community Exploitation
Chris Brinklow, the acting chief of Tyendinaga Police, condemned the operation, stating that it took advantage of the community’s land, causing significant environmental damage, including the depletion of a local quarry. Brinklow emphasized the profits benefitted only organized criminal networks, not the community.
“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.”
