On February 26, the Montreal Police Department (SPVM), in collaboration with the Mascouche Police Department, carried out an operation that resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 cannabis plants and 1,167 pounds of bulk cannabis, as well as hash, speed, and psilocybin.

Nearly 200 police officers participated in the operation. A total of 21 searches were conducted, the majority of them on the Island of Montreal. A warehouse in Mascouche and two warehouses located in the boroughs of Lachine and Montreal North were apparently used as the main production sites. 

The searches, led by the SPVM’s ACCES and Proceeds of Crime Section, resulted in the seizure of 10,628 cannabis plants that police say are worth more than $10 million. Investigators also seized 1,167 pounds of bulk cannabis, valued at more than $1 million, as well as smaller quantities of hashish, speed and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Several luxury accessories and more than $60,000 in cash were also seized. 

In addition to these seizures, the investigation team managed to obtain the blocking of seven residences and buildings belonging to alleged members of the dismantled criminal network. During their investigation, the police officers also noticed that the criminal network had allegedly fraudulently used certificates for personal production of cannabis for medical purposes issued by Health Canada. 

Arrests are expected at a later stage. A complete investigation file will be submitted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) so that criminal charges can be laid under the Cannabis Act and in matters of fraud. The individuals targeted by the investigation are four men and two women aged between 30 and 60 years old.