More than $2.8 million in illicit cannabis plants and processed cannabis have been seized from an illegal grow operation on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in eastern Ontario. Ontario Provincial Police say the Tyendinaga Police Service launched an investigation into “an illicit cannabis production site involving a non-Indigenous criminal network” in August. On Sept. 9, officers with the OPP and the Tyendinaga Police Service executed a search warrant at a property on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Police say officers seized 5,560 illicit cannabis plants, 34 kilograms of cannabis shake, cash and 10 cellphones. “This operation targeted an illegal cannabis cultivation site operating within our territory,” said Acting Sgt. Nathan Leland of the Tyendinaga Police Service. “While a small number of community members may become involved in such activities, investigations have consistently shown that significant profits generated by these operations often benefit individuals and organized criminal interests from outside the community. Protecting our lands, community safety and the integrity of our territory remains a priority.” Seven residents from Scarborough and a 41-year-old man from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory are facing charges under the Cannabis Act. Police say the investigation is ongoing. Last November, the OPP said an investigation into a cannabis production operation on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory led to the seizure of $79 million worth of plants. Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is located east of Belleville, Ont.
