Ottawa Police Service shut down an unlicensed cannabis store operating on Beechwood Avenue, seizing illicit drugs, cash, and drug trafficking equipment.

The action follows an investigation that began in February, when the Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit identified several cannabis stores operating across the city without valid provincial licences.

In March 2025, the Vanier/Overbrook Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRTVO) launched an investigation into one such location in the 100 block of Beechwood Avenue. Both police and the property owners issued Notices of Contravention to the operator, requesting proof of compliance with Ontario’s cannabis legislation or an immediate cessation of operations. Despite these formal warnings, the business continued to operate unlawfully.

On April 22, 2025, the NRTVO executed a search warrant related to multiple suspected offences under the Cannabis Control Act (CCA). Officers seized wholesale quantities of cannabis, cannabis-related products, Canadian currency, and drug trafficking equipment. Police say the premises have since been shut down, and control has been returned to the property owners.

The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending.

While police do not name the business they say they shut down, Google Maps lists one unlicensed cannabis retailer in the 100 block of Beechwood Avenue in Ottawa. That store, Red Roots Trading Company, seems to reference police action at their 196 Beechwood Ave location in a recent Facebook post. The store operates at least three other locations. A video shared with StratCann appears to show police parked in front of the same business.

The illicit market in Ontario has been growing considerably in the past year, and many retailers and other cannabis industry participants have been calling on the province to do more. By some estimates, several hundred new, unlicensed retailers have begun operating in different parts of Ontario in the past year, with close to 100 in Toronto alone. 

While some have faced enforcement, many have not, causing frustration for licensed retailers who incur numerous fees in order to operate with the province’s approval. A search of Google Maps lists at least a half-dozen unlicensed stores operating in the Ottawa area alone.

In Ontario, the sale or distribution of cannabis by anyone other than an authorized retailer is prohibited, as is landlords knowingly allowing their property to be used for illegal cannabis activities. Penalties for violating these provisions range from $10,000 to $250,000, imprisonment of up to two years less a day, or both. Corporations are subject to even steeper fines.

Related Articles

Ontario affirms $31 million commitment to take on illicit cannabis market

October 30, 2024

OPP shut down six “Indige Smoke” locations, building subject to closure orders

June 14, 2024

Brantford Police raid unlicensed cannabis store for the second time in a week

April 25, 2025