(CHIPPEWA OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION, ON) – On December 20, 2018, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with members of the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation Police, executed a search warrant at an illegal cannabis storefront located on Three Fires Road, Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Ontario.
As a result of the warrant, two people have been charged and property has been seized. The accused have been charged with Possess Cannabis unlawfully for the purpose of selling, contrary to section 10(2) of the Federal Cannabis Act. They are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in London at a later date.
Charged are:
Maurice FRENCH, 46-years-old, of Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Ontario
Darren ELIJAH, 40-years-old, of Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Ontario
Some of the items seized as a result of the warrant included cannabis resin extraction machine, cannabis resin (Shatter) and cannabis edibles.
The OPP enjoys a respectful working relationship with all of our First Nations policing partners. The OPP and its partners continue to work with communities and engage all stakeholders with respect to enforcement action on illegal cannabis storefronts.
The OPP is continuing to lead an enforcement strategy which includes other Ontario police services. This strategy will reflect actionable intelligence on illegal cannabis operations.
The focus of the strategy is to dismantle organized crime groups, eliminate the illegal cannabis supply, remove illegal cannabis enterprises such as store fronts and online, and target the proceeds of crime and assets.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or submit an online tip at www.londoncrimestoppers.com, where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.