Two people from Ailsa Craig are among 23 individuals charged following an investigation into an alleged criminal network involved in the production, trafficking and exportation of illicit cannabis. According to York Regional police, the investigation uncovered a large-scale illicit cannabis grow operation in London and led to charges against 23 people from communities across Ontario. The investigation, dubbed Project North Star, was led by York Regional Police’s Complex Investigation Unit in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team, the Canada Border Services Agency and the London Police Service. Police allege the group sourced illicit cannabis from locations across Ontario, including the London-area grow operation. Investigators say the operation ran from February to September 2026 and determined the cannabis was produced outside Ontario’s regulated cannabis system before being distributed through the underground market, including through an online illicit dispensary. Police also allege members of the group exported cannabis throughout North America and parts of Europe using commercial parcel delivery services. Search warrants used between July and September at locations in Markham, Scarborough, Vaughan, Burlington, Milton, London and Ailsa Craig resulted in the seizure of more than 1,550 pounds of cannabis, more than 8.5 pounds of hashish and more than 4.4 pounds of cannabis derivatives. Investigators also seized a small quantity of ketamine and cocaine, infused cannabis edibles, two firearms, high-capacity magazines, two Ford pickup trucks, including one that had allegedly been re-vinned, and more than $250,000 in cash. The cannabis seized from the London grow operation alone is estimated to have a value of about $4.8 million, investigators said. A 39 year old and 46 year old, both from Ailsa Craig, are charged with:
