An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation into illicit cannabis has resulted in the closure of seven illegal storefronts in southern Ontario, seizing an estimated $600,000 in illicit cannabis. The seized products include edibles, vape pens, and psilocybin.
The OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PFCET) executed nine search warrants in Barrie, St. Catharines, Vaughan, Toronto, and Brampton, targeting seven businesses and a residence in Toronto and a suspect’s vehicle.
The businesses shut down include:
- Bayfield Bongs in Barrie
- St. Paul Smoke Shop in St. Catharines
- Farmers Link in Vaughan
- The Planet 60, Kingston Chronic, and Lawrence Smoke Shop in Toronto
- B Loud Cannabis in Brampton
These businesses were not authorized to sell cannabis or cannabis products by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
The police seized:
- Over 63 kilograms of dried cannabis flower
- 901 packages of cannabis edibles
- Over 500 THC vape pens
- 214 grams of butane hash oil
- 436 grams of hashish
- Almost 300 packages of psilocybin
- Cell phones
- $500,000 in Canadian currency
- Brass knuckles
Seven individuals were arrested and charged with 26 offenses. They are scheduled to appear before an Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on February 26, 2024.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are encouraging anyone with information to call them at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
