Advertisement

Over $1 million in illegal cannabis, cigarettes seized after shutdown of brand in Southern Ontario

Click to play video: 'Over $1 million in illegal cannabis, cigarettes seized after shut down of brand in Southern Ontario'
Over $1 million in illegal cannabis, cigarettes seized after shut down of brand in Southern Ontario
WATCH: Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Niagara Regional Police jointly shut down six 'Indige Smoke' locations between Hamilton and Fort Erie in raids last week seizing tobacco and cannabis – Jun 14, 2024

A brand known for selling cannabis and tobacco across southern Ontario has had several stores shut down by police amid allegations they were selling over a million dollars of unauthorized products.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Niagara Regional Police jointly shut down six Indige Smoke locations between Hamilton and Fort Erie in raids last week seizing tobacco and cannabis products.

Three handguns, shotgun ammunition and cocaine were also confiscated during the execution of nine search warrants on June 5.

Det. Insp. Anne Goodwin from the OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau says despite the legalization of some cannabis products across the province in 2018, there’s still a lucrative market for criminal networks who’ve been cashing in on the sale of unauthorized products.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Not only is it against the law to sell or purchase illegal cannabis, but consumers are faced with health risks that come from using untested and unregulated products,” Goodwyn explained. “Profits from illegal cannabis sales are often laundered to finance other criminal activities including illegal drugs, firearms and human trafficking.”

Story continues below advertisement

Eleven people now face a combined 34 charges and are scheduled to appear before a judge in St. Catharines on July 18, according to OPP.

Sponsored content

AdChoices