An Ontario Provincial Police-led investigation into the alleged online sale and distribution of illegal cannabis has resulted in charges against three people and the seizure of approximately $1.1 million worth of cannabis and cannabis products.
The Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team launched Project DIAGONAL in 2024, targeting an alleged illegal online cannabis dispensary operating under the names “Harmonized Hemp” and “CannaTrust.”
Police alleged the dispensary offered same-day delivery within the Niagara Region and shipped illegal cannabis products through courier services to other parts of Canada.
Search warrants were executed on May 5 and 6 at six locations in the Niagara Region and Hamilton, as well as on five vehicles.
The investigation involved members of the Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team, OPP Community Street Crime Units, Niagara and Burlington OPP, OPP Digital Forensics, the OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, Niagara Regional Police Service, Hamilton Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Police said officers seized illegal cannabis and cannabis products valued at more than $1.1 million, along with 770 grams of psilocybin and approximately $13,000 in Canadian currency.
A 32-year-old Niagara-on-the-Lake resident was charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession of illicit cannabis, possession for the purpose of distributing cannabis and possession for the purpose of selling cannabis.
A 31-year-old Hamilton resident was charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin, possession of illicit cannabis, possession for the purpose of distributing cannabis and possession for the purpose of selling cannabis.
A 37-year-old St. Catharines resident was charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin, possession of illicit cannabis, possession for the purpose of distributing cannabis and possession for the purpose of selling cannabis.
Police said the accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on June 8.
“Illegal online cannabis sales are a priority for law enforcement, as unregulated products continue to surface in communities across Ontario,” OPP Chief Supt. Mike Stoddart of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau said in a release.
“Unregulated products pose risks to public safety, and the profits generated are often used to fund other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, firearms offences and human trafficking. The OPP remains committed to identifying and investigating illegal cannabis operations and protecting public safety.”
Police reminded the public that legal cannabis sales in Ontario are strictly regulated and encouraged consumers to purchase only through authorized retailers.
