On January 24 2019, members of the Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with the Hamilton Police Service, executed search warrants at five illegal cannabis storefronts in Hamilton, Ontario.
As a result of the warrant being executed, police enforced an interim closure of the premises as per section 18 of the Cannabis Act (CA) as well as seized suspected dried cannabis, cannabis oil, cannabis shatter, edibles, Canadian currency, 7 ATM, THC infused products (bath balms).
“Working with the PJFCET, we’re committed to closing down all of Hamilton’s illegal dispensaries and enforcing interim closures. We encourage employees and owners to reconsider their participation in the illegal cannabis trade as we continue to apply enforcement,” said Hamilton Police Deputy Chief Dan K insella.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged with Possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling, contrary to section 10(2) of the Cannabis Act (CA) and with Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, contrary to section 355 (a) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC).
- Jesse LAMPMAN (M, 1990-09-22)
- Warren MILLET (M, 1965-09-13)
- Logan MUNGAR (M, 1990-06-02)
- Brooke MURPHY (F, 1995-05-23)
- Jennifer COLE (F, 1966-08-08)
- Dylan FERGUSON (M, 1996-10-13)
- Teddi-Jean LAW (F, 1996-06-06)
- Patrick MCGINLEY (M, 1997-10-01)
- Paul ROBINSON (M, 1984-01-07)
- Paul ADESEIYE (M, 1992-07-23)
- Cassandra DAVIS (F, 1994-01-17)
- Caitlin JARVIS (F, 1996-02-23)
- Abdulrahman MAHMOUD (M, 1991-01-07)
- Joseph MUGFORD (M, 1984-12-27)
- Emily NAGY (F, 1995-04-04)
- Renad SUBOH (F, 1996-04-11)
- Morgan ANGER (F, 1993-06-02
- Kelvin DOAN (M, 1994-03-26)
- Maximillien DUFOREST-BARROWMAN (M, 1996-03-22)
- Amber GHENT (F, 1992-09-08)
- Jadwiga KOT (F, 1960-12-12)
- Joshua LASCHNER (M, 1992-10-01)
- Ryan MCLAUGHLIN (M, 1992-12-29)
- Troy ROCHON (M, 1996-05-25)
- Darnell SWABY (M, 1994-04-15)
- The accused were released with an Appearance Notice and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice, in Hamilton, Ontario on March 13th, 2019.
- Approximately 250 lbs of processed cannabis, 100 lbs of cannabis resin and a large amount of products containing THC were seized. In addition, approximately $ 50,000 in Canadian Currency was seized.
- The OPP is continuing to lead an enforcement strategy which includes other Ontari o police services. This strategy will reflect actionable intelligence on illegal cannabis operations.
- “We will continue to investigate and apprehend those who produce, sell and import cannabis outside of the law. Closures such as this latest one, illustrate the partnership and effectiveness of the joint forces enforcement teams to ensure cohesive and consistent enforcement of illicit cannabis,” states Chief Superintendent John Sullivan
- The focus of the strategy is to dismantle organized crime groups, eliminate the illegal cannabis supply, remove illegal cannabis enterprises such as store fronts and online, and target the proceeds of crime and assets.
- Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
