NewsRelease_Jun13_2025
Hamilton Police Service has shut down an unlicensed cannabis dispensary operating on Main Street East, seizing a quantity of illicit drugs.
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, members of the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit, in collaboration with the Division 20 HEAT Unit, executed a search warrant at Hi Gradez Cannabis Dispensary following a community complaint. Investigators determined the business was operating without the appropriate provincial authorization required to sell cannabis.
Under Section 6 of the Cannabis Control Act (CCA), only authorized retailers may legally sell or distribute cannabis in Ontario. Additionally, Section 13 of the Act prohibits property owners from knowingly allowing their premises to be used for illegal cannabis activities. Penalties for non-compliance are significant. Individuals convicted under these sections may face fines ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Corporations can face even steeper financial penalties.
One woman was arrested during the search and has been released with a future court date.
Risks of Purchasing Illegal Cannabis
The Hamilton Police Service is reminding the public about the dangers of purchasing cannabis from unlicensed sources:
Health Risks: Illegal cannabis is not subject to regulatory testing and may contain harmful substances such as pesticides, mold, bacteria, lead, or arsenic.Delivery Fraud: Products ordered from illegal online retailers may never arrive, or may be seized during shipping.Data Security: Buying from unregulated online vendors exposes buyers to identity theft, fraud, and other financial crimes.Organized Crime: Proceeds from illegal cannabis sales often support organized crime, fueling further criminal activity in our communities.
Hamilton Police remain committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of our neighbourhoods. Community members with information about illegal drug activity are encouraged to contact police. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, please consider reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton’s Website.
“}]] Hamilton Police Service has shut down an unlicensed cannabis dispensary operating on Main Street East, seizing a quantity of illicit drugs.On Thursday, June 12, 2025, members of the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit, in collaboration with the Division 20 HEAT Unit, executed a search warrant at Hi Gradez Cannabis Dispensary following a community complai… Read More
