6 Arrested In “Drug” Bust

(CENTRE HASTINGS, ON) – Two search warrants in Centre Hastings have resulted in a drug seizure and the arrest of six people for cultivation of cannabis.

In October 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit began an investigation into a large outdoor cannabis production site in the Municipality of Centre Hastings. Further investigation revealed a linked address where the cultivated cannabis plants were being transported to be dried and processed. 

This investigation resulted in the execution of two search warrants on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at residences on Highway 62 and Moira Road in Centre Hastings. The search involved members of the Community Street Crime Unit, Emergency Response Team and Central Hastings Detachment.

Investigators seized over 700 cannabis plants, along with other items including cell phones, an enclosed trailer and a tractor.

The following individuals have each been charged under the Cannabis Control Act with cultivate, propagate or harvest more than four cannabis plants: 

• Kirushanthy JANAKAN, age 38 of Stirling

• Aswinkumar KUNJAPPAN, age 27 of Scarborough

• Janakan SIVALINGAM, age 40 of Centre Hastings

• Dennu THOMAS, age 27 of Scarborough

• Christin VARGHESE, age 28 of Scarborough

• Nirmal VINCENT, age 28 of Scarborough

All accused persons were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on November 10, 2025.

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.