OPP photo
A joint investigation into an organized criminal network allegedly operating illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory has led to the seizure of more than 72,000 illicit cannabis plants worth more than $122 million and three firearms, say police.
In a release issued by OPP’s organized crime enforcement bureau on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, it states a total of 10 individuals, including six non-community members, were arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and Cannabis Act following the probe, which started back in April 2025.
According to investigators, back in April, the Tyendinaga Police Service and OPP’s organized crime enforcement bureau (OCEB), initiated an investigation into illicit cannabis production sites controlled by non-Indigenous organized criminal networks, aided by a limited number of community members.
“The majority of the profits from these operations were not invested in or utilized by the community,” reported police, on Friday.
As part of the investigation, police stated that several search warrants were executed on Sept. 23 and Sept 24, 2025, at four illicit cannabis production sites by multiple OPP units, Tyendinaga police, and Canada Border Services Agency.
As a result of the investigation, officers also allegedly halted unlawful diversion of water from the Bay of Quinte. In addition to the illicit cannabis plants and firearms, police said ammunition and numerous items as offence-related property valued at about $530,000 were also seized.
OPP also stated that its provincial asset forfeiture unit has been engaged to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and assist in the seizure of offence-related property.
Police noted that their investigation is still ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
In the release Friday, Tyendinaga Police Service and OPP also thanked the Ottawa Police Service’s air support unit, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Hiawatha First Nation Policing Services and Anishinabek Police Service, for their support during the investigation.
“We want to thank our community for their patience throughout this investigation,” Acting Chief Chris Brinklow with the Tyendinaga Police Service also stated in the release. “Non-community members have jeopardized community safety and taken advantage of our land.
“Investigators discovered illegal dumping sites with significant environmental impacts. A local quarry was depleted, negatively affecting the water table within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. The projected profits have served only to benefit organized criminal networks,” reads Brinklow’s statement.
“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.”
OPP’s OCEB Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart said OPP is committed to working alongside Tyendinaga police to tackle organized criminal activity, including under illegal cannabis production.
“Through close collaboration with Tyendinaga Police Service, the OPP Indigenous policing bureau and its provincial liaison team, we are taking meaningful steps to support community safety,” said Stoddart.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the illegal sale or production of cannabis to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
