Eight individuals have been charged following a major police operation that dismantled an illegal cannabis grow on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, according to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The investigation, which began in August, was initiated by the Tyendinaga Police Service after they received information about a production site allegedly tied to a non-Indigenous criminal network.
On September 9, officers executed a search warrant at a property on the territory, with support from multiple OPP units. During the search, police confiscated approximately 5,560 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $2.78 million. They also seized 34 kilograms of cannabis shake, valued at around $34,000, along with $1,880 in Canadian currency and 10 cellphones.
The eight accused, whose ages range from 41 to 69, are each facing charges under the Cannabis Act for cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis for the purpose of distribution. One of the charged individuals resides on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, while the remaining seven are from Scarborough.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and further details may emerge. The OPP released the information in a news release on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
