A collaborative effort by the OPP and Niagara police has led to the shutdown of illegal storefronts in St. Catharines and Welland, with two individuals now facing charges.
Police have discovered connections between these unlicensed storefronts and people believed to be involved in trafficking illegal cannabis and controlled substances.
On June 19, officers executed a search warrant at an illegal cannabis shop in St. Catharines known as 420 Zone.
Investigators report that this shop was operating without the necessary permits from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) or Health Canada.
Authorities seized suspected illegal cannabis, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) products, along with contraband tobacco, amounting to an estimated value of $32,000.
Additionally, over $11,000 in Canadian currency was recovered during the operation.
Tyrel Russell, 33, from Hamilton, was arrested and faces six charges including selling unstamped tobacco products as well as possession of psilocybin, LSD, DMT for trafficking purposes and possession of cannabis intended for sale.
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Charlie Rodgers, 38 years old from Welland, was also arrested and is facing five charges that include possession of psilocybin for trafficking purposes and possession of cannabis intended for sale.
Both suspects were released from custody and are set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Welland on November 3.
A second search warrant was carried out on July 6 at an illegal psilocybin dispensary in Welland named Fun Guyz.
This location was also found to be operating without proper authorization from the AGCO or Health Canada.
Investigators confiscated a quantity of psilocybin along with illegal cannabis products, DMT, LSD and contraband tobacco valued at over $18,000 on the street.
Both shops have been closed down. Anyone wishing to access these premises must apply to the Superior Court of Justice for permission first.
Trespassing into a building under interim closure could lead to breaking and entering charges.
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On August 27th, officers responded to reports of a break-and-enter at the dispensary in Welland.
Upon arrival, investigators found someone who was not supposed to be at either storefronts in St. Catharines or Welland due to previous conditions.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of contraband tobacco alongside DMT, LSD and psilocybin products with a street value exceeding $19,000 plus $1,000 Canadian cash.
Russell faced further charges including selling unstamped tobacco products along with possession for trafficking related to psilocybin, LSD and DMT as well as breaking-and-entering with intent.
The accused has been released following a bail hearing is expected back before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on October 6th.
Anyone having information about unlawful cannabis sales should reach out to police at 1-888-310-1122.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
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The accused has been released following a bail hearing is expected back before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on October 6th.
Anyone having information about unlawful cannabis sales should reach out to police at 1-888-310-1122.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
WATCH MORE: A Stoney Creek resident among eleven people facing two hundred fourteen charges related to drug gun trafficking investigations
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