More than 72,000 illicit cannabis plants with a value of more than $122 million and three firearms have been seized following an investigation into an organized criminal network allegedly operating illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
A total of 10 individuals, including six non-community members, were arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Cannabis Act.
In April 2025, the Tyendinaga Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began an investigation into illicit cannabis production sites controlled by non-Indigenous organized criminal networks, aided by a limited number of community members. The majority of the profits from these operations were not invested in or utilized by the community.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and Wednesday, September 24, 2025, several search warrants were executed at four illicit cannabis production sites on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory by members from:
OPP OCEB
Tyendinaga Police Service
OPP Provincial Liaison Team
OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
OPP Emergency Response Team
OPP Canine Unit
OPP East Region detachment members
OPP Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team
OPP Clandestine Laboratory Investigative Response Team
OPP Offender Transport Unit
OPP Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement
OPP East Region Community Street Crime Units
Canada Border Services Agency
As a result of this investigation, officers halted unlawful diversion of water from the Bay of Quinte and seized the following with approximate quantities:
72,000 illicit cannabis plants valued at more than $122 million
Three firearms
Ammunition
Numerous items as offence-related property, valued at approximately $530,000
The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit has been engaged to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and assist in the seizure of offence-related property.
The Tyendinaga Police Service and the OPP would like to thank the Ottawa Police Service Air Support Unit, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Hiawatha First Nation Policing Services and Anishinabek Police Service for their support during this investigation.
This investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale or production of cannabis should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
QUOTES
“The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau is com mitted to working alongside the Tyendinaga Police Service to address organized criminal activity, including illegal cannabis production. Through close collaboration with Tyendinaga Police Service, the OPP Indigenous Policing Bureau and its Provincial Liaison Team, we are taking meaningful steps to support community safety.” – Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OPP OCEB
“We want to thank our community for their patience throughout this investigation. Non-community members have jeopardized community safety and taken advantage of our land. Investigators discovered illegal dumping sites with significant environmental impacts. A local quarry was depleted negatively affecting the water table within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. The projected profits have served only to benefit organized criminal networks. While a small number of community members may have been involved, the financial gains were not reinvested into the community. The exploitation of Indigenous communities and lands by organized crime is a serious violation of our rights and responsibilities – and it will not be tolerated.” – Acting Chief Chris Brinklow, Tyendinaga Police Service
ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS
Eugene Agymang
One charge
41
Newmarket
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, contrary to s. 12(4)(a) of the Cannabis Act (CA)
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Lap-Thi Le
One charge
40
British Columbia
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Van Duong Le
One charge
58
British Columbia
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Van Son Le
One charge
39
British Columbia
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Hong Quang Nguyen
One charge
42
British Columbia
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Huu-Phlloc Nguyen
One charge
60
British Columbia
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Jessi Hill Corby
Two charges
46
Belleville
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA – two counts
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Bryan Paul Brant
Three charges
56
Oshawa
•
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to s. 91(1) of the Criminal Code (CC)
•
Careless storage of a firearm, s. 86(1) CC
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Ian Weed
Five charges
43
Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
•
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to s. 91(1) CC
•
Careless storage of a firearm, s. 86(1) CC
•
Mischief, interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property, s. 430(1)(c) CC
•
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, s. 354(1)(a) CC
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
Tara Weed
Five charges
43
Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
•
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, contrary to s. 91(1) CC
•
Careless storage of a firearm, s. 86(1) CC
•
Mischief, interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property, s. 430(1)(c) CC
•
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, s. 354(1)(a) CC
•
Cultivate or harvest a cannabis plant or material that is illicit cannabis, s. 12(4)(a) CA
Released from custody. Scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 5, 2025.
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
