Non-Indigenous criminal network produced, manufactured contraband tobacco on Six Nations: OPP
More than 25,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco has been seized in an investigation into what Ontario Provincial Police say was a non-Indigenous criminal network that was producing and manufacturing on Six Nations of the Grand River.
OPP began the investigation, dubbed Project Panda, in February with Six Nations Police into the tobacco manufacturing facility they say was operated by people who do not live on the territory and whose profits were not invested in the Six Nations community.
Ontario Provincial Police and Six Nations Police have seized more than 25,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco and 15 firearms in Project Panda, targeting a non-Indigenous criminal network allegedly producing and manufacturing contraband tobacco on Six Nations of the Grand River.
In March, police conducted searches of vehicles that were allegedly seen leaving the tobacco manufacturing facility, police said in a release Friday. They allegedly found 11.1 million contraband cigarettes, valued around $2.8 million.
The investigation continued and on May 7 police searched three properties in Ancaster, Brantford and Six Nations where OPP allege they found 25,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco — both fine cut tobacco and cigarettes — valued around $6.29 million.
Officers also seized: more than 1,360 pounds of cannabis and other illegal cannabis products valued around $3 million; about 3.16 kilograms of psilocybin valued around $31,600; 15 firearms; and multiple skids of contraband tobacco packaging material.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released.
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