Ontario police charge 21 people after bust uncovers $32M in illegal cannabis

Ontario police have charged 21 people after seizing cannabis valued at $32 million that allegedly includes Health Canada-approved marijuana, as part of an investigation that began in June 2020.

Ontario Provincial Police worked with multiple police forces as part of Operation Gainsborough.

On Tuesday, investigators described how the accused were running websitessellingcannabis from registered growers, anddelivering the drugsto customers in London, Kitchener, Hamilton and Toronto. Police allegeproducts were also being soldinternationally.

"Theindividuals were exploitingHealth Canada registrations by designating someone to produce cannabis for medical purposes, but using the registrationsfor criminal purposes and monetary gains," saidOPP Det.-Insp. Jim Walker

"The cannabis produced using these registrations was being diverted to the illegal cannabis market."

Walker said police uncovered a lab in Middlesex County and another in Bramptonwhere cannabis was being transformed into edibles, oils and other byproducts. Pills, such as hydromorphone(an opioid used to treat pain)were also found on site.

"The dangers of extraction labs include the risk of fire, explosion, harmful fumes and chemicals exposure, as well as environmental damage and waste," said Walker, asking that the public report any suspicious activity to local police.

Police charged those arrested with 118 offences and also seized 7,000 kilogramsof illegal cannabis buds,10,000 packages of edibles andsix firearms.

Three of the 21 people arrested have been held in custody.The others were released and are to appear in court in London in November and December.