7 illegal shops shut down in southern Ontario, OPP seizes $600,000 worth of cannabis

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation into illegal cannabis led to the closure of seven illegal shops in southern Ontario and the seizure of approximately $600,000 worth of illegal cannabis, including some psilocybin-enhanced edibles and vape pens.

The OPP-led Provincial Combined Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PFCET) executed nine search warrants in Barrie, St. Catharines, Vaughan, Toronto and Brampton, including a Toronto residence and the suspect's vehicle.

During the investigation, police were forced to close their doors at seven businesses because they were not licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to sell cannabis or cannabis products.

Shops include: Bayfield Bongs in Barrie, St. Paul Smoke Shop in Barrie, St. Paul Smoke Shop, Farmers Link in Vaughan, The Planet 60, Kingston Chronic and Lawrence Smoke Shop Toronto and B Loud Cannabis Brampton.

“Any interested persons (including property owners) who wish to enter these premises may apply to the High Court for permission under Section 18(4) of the IPC. Anyone entering buildings subject to temporary closure may be arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering under Section 341(1) of the Criminal Code (CPC), the statement said.

As a result of the investigation, the police seized more than 63 kilograms of dried cannabis flowers, 901 packages of cannabis, more than 500 THC vape pens, 214 grams of butane hash oil, 436 grams of hashish, about 300 psilocybin, and mobile phones. , $500,000 in Canadian currency and made of brass.

According to the police, as a result, seven unidentified people were arrested and charged with 26 crimes. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on February 26, 2024.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-888-310-1122.