Illegal cannabis storefronts being shut down

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has shutdown two illegal cannabis storefronts operating in London, and seized illegal cannabis valued at more than $350,000.

The OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET), in partnership with the Middlesex OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), began an investigation in June 2024 into the sale of illegal cannabis from a storefront located on Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (FN). This investigation revealed two other illegal cannabis storefronts operating under the name “Spirit River Cannabis” located in London. These storefronts were not authorized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to sell cannabis or cannabis products.

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On August 20, 2024, three search warrants were executed in London and Chippewas of the Thames FN by members from:

• PJFCET
• Middlesex CSCU
• OPP-led Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team
• OPP Provincial Liaison Team
• OPP Emergency Response Team
• OPP-led Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit

Assistance was also provided by the London Police Service (LPS), LPS Emergency Response Unit and the Chippewas of the Thames FN Police.

Illegal cannabis was removed from the storefront located on Chippewas of the Thames FN. The two “Spirit River Cannabis” storefronts in London that have been shutdown will be held under Interim Closure Orders as per section 18(1) of the Cannabis Control Act (CCA).

Persons with interest in any of the locations (including owners) who wish to enter these premises may apply to the Superior Court of Justice to get permission under section 18(4) of the CCA. Anyone who enters buildings that are subject to interim closure without authorization from the Superior Court of Justice may be arrested and charged with breaking and entering, under section 348(1) of the Criminal Code (CC).

As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized:

• More than $350,000 in illegal cannabis and illegal cannabis products, including edibles, vapes, shatter, topicals and beverages
• More than $9,000 in contraband tobacco
• More than $2,500 in psilocybin
• Approximately $11,000 in Canadian currency
• An extraction press valued at approximately $4,000

Five individuals were charged with 21 offences under the Cannabis Act, the CC and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Please refer to the attached Addendum of Charged Persons for a full list. The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in London on October 18, 2024.

This investigation is ongoing.

“The OPP values a close working relationship with First Nation police services to enforce the laws pertaining to illegal cannabis and to address any concerns relating to investigations or enforcement activities,” said OPP Detective Inspector Anne Goodwin, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. “The Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team is focused on disrupting the sale of illegal cannabis in Ontario, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to prevent the illegal sale of cannabis from harming our communities.”

ABOUT ILLEGAL CANNABIS

Only the purchase of cannabis through the Ontario Cannabis Store or an Ontario-authorized, licensed retail store is legal. The purchase of cannabis products from unauthorized dealers is against the law.

Legal vs. Illegal Cannabis

• Legal cannabis packages are marked in consistent ways, indicating their authorization. Learn more about the product indicators of legal cannabis.
• The use of illegal cannabis increases personal risk. Learn more from the Government of Canada regarding the risks of illegal cannabis.
• Individuals who purchase cannabis from an illegal source, whether it is a storefront, online or a dealer, are committing a crime.
• Profits from illegal cannabis sales are often laundered to finance other criminal activities including illegal drugs, firearms and human trafficking.

Any person with information regarding the illegal sale of cannabis should contact the OPP’s non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122. Alternatively, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.