Police Close “Illegal” Cannabis Stores

Source: OPP
Date: Sat Sep 28 03:43:59 MST 2024

(LONDON, ON) – 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.



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.