Essex County OPP have shut down an illegal cannabis storefront in Leamington and seized $13,500 in products
One person was arrested for offences under the Criminal Code and Cannabis Act
On Nov. 6, the Essex County OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET), executed a search warrant at the illegal cannabis storefront operating under the name “Island Fire Cannabis”
As a result of the search warrant, investigators seized quantities of illegal dried cannabis and other illegal cannabis products, including edibles, shatter and vape cartridges. The illegal cannabis and cannabis products have an estimated value of $13,500
Police say only the purchase of cannabis through the Ontario Cannabis Store or an Ontario-authorized, licensed retail store is legal. The purchase of cannabis products from unauthorized dealers is against the law
The storefront has been shut down and will be held under Interim Closure Orders as per section 18(1) of the Cannabis Control Act (CCA)
People with interest in the location (including owners), who wish to enter these premises may apply to the Superior Court of Justice to get permission
Anyone who enters buildings that are subject to interim closure without authorization from the Superior Court of Justice may be arrested and charged with breaking and entering
A 39-year-old Chatham woman has been charged with the following three offences contrary to the CC and the CA
Possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling
Possession of illicit cannabis
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on Dec. 30
