ONTARIO-Six people have been charged after an allegedly illegal cannabis production site was dismantled in Greater Napanee, resulting in the seizure of more than $7.9 million in illegal cannabis.
In September 2026, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) initiated an investigation into a suspected illegal cannabis grow operation at a property on County Road 12 in Greater Napanee.
“Illegal cannabis production operations continue to generate significant profits for criminal enterprises while creating safety risks for communities. This investigation resulted in the dismantling of a large-scale commercial grow operation and demonstrates the OPP’s commitment to identifying and disrupting illegal cannabis production across Ontario.” said OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, a search warrant was executed by members from:
- OPP PJFCET
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Canine Unit
- OPP East Region Crime Unit
- OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit
- Lennox and Addington County OPP
During the execution of the warrant, four people were arrested at the property, and two additional individuals were arrested after fleeing on foot according to police.
As a result of the investigation, officers reportedly seized the following with approximate quantities and values:
- 5,260 illegal cannabis plants valued at $7.9 million
- C$1,900
- 2015 Lexus RX350 valued at approximately $18,000
The following individuals have each been charged under the Cannabis Act with cultivate illicit cannabis, section 12(4)(a), and possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution, section 9(2):
- A 46-year old from Scarborough
- A 38-year-old and a 60-year-old with no fixed address
- A 72-year-old from Scarborough
- A 59=year-old from Markham
- A 55-year-old from Scarborough
The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee on Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
Police say the investigation also revealed significant fire, electrical and property safety concerns. As a result, hydro service was disconnected due to safety risks. Fire officials issued fines and municipal by-law officials issued compliance orders related to the property.
The investigation included consultation with the Canada Border Services Agency.
Meanwhile, $4.6 million in illegal cannabis was seized and police reportedly dismantled a large-scale illegal cannabis production site in Haldimand County.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) commenced an investigation into suspected illegal activity at a property on Highway 54 in Haldimand County as a result of information received through a previous investigation. On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, a search warrant was executed by members of the OPP’s PJFCET, Emergency Response Team, Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team and Canine Unit, as well as the Haldimand County Fire Department.
As a result of the investigation, officers reportedly seized:
- Approximately 9,110 illegal cannabis plants valued at approximately $4.5 million
- 60 kg of cannabis shake valued at approximately $20,000
- 45 kg of cannabis resin valued at approximately $70,700
- 2.5 kg of dried cannabis valued at approximately $5,600
During the execution of the warrant, two individuals were located and arrested. A third individual fled the property and remains outstanding.
A 4year-old resident of North York and a 44-year-old from Maple, have each been charged with the following Cannabis Act offences:
- Cultivate cannabis that is not their dwelling-house, section 12(6)(a)
- Possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2)
Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on Tuesday, December 22, 2026.
Investigators say they identified significant fire, electrical and property safety concerns at the location. Following an inspection, the residence was ordered closed to occupancy and hydro service was disconnected. Haldimand County By-law Enforcement also attended the property.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale or production of cannabis is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
