A clandestine network allegedly tied to organized crime has been dismantled following a sweeping investigation on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Authorities uncovered a massive illicit cannabis operation, seizing plants valued at over $79 million in a recent phase of enforcement.
The operation, conducted between October 1st and 7th, involved a coordinated effort between the Provincial Police, the Tyendinaga Mohawk Police Service, and the Canada Border Services Agency. Six locations across the territory were targeted with search warrants, leading to a significant crackdown on illegal activity.
Officers confiscated an astonishing 46,700 illicit cannabis plants. Beyond the cannabis, the seizure included four pounds of dried cannabis, potent THC extract, and a staggering quantity of contraband – 3.7 million cigarettes and 35,600 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco, collectively worth over $9.6 million.
The investigation didn’t stop at drugs and tobacco. Authorities also discovered and seized commercial-grade cigarette production equipment and other items directly linked to the criminal enterprise, totaling an estimated value of $358,400.
This latest bust represents only the second phase of a larger enforcement effort. Over the past two months, police have now confiscated approximately 119,000 illicit cannabis plants, with a combined estimated value exceeding $200 million.
Local authorities expressed deep concern over the exploitation of their land. Acting Sgt. Chris Brinklow of the Tyendinaga Police Service emphasized that the operations were driven by individuals from outside the community, enriching organized crime at the expense of the territory’s well-being.
Nineteen individuals not affiliated with the Tyendinaga community have been charged as a result of the investigation. Authorities are determined to hold accountable those who violate the rights and responsibilities of the community and exploit its resources.
Among those facing charges are Andrew Clifford Miracle, 81, of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and a diverse group of individuals from cities across Ontario and British Columbia, including Kareem Remey, Jessi Corby, and Eugene Agyemang. Several individuals are currently listed as having no fixed address.
The list of those charged also includes Kyle Alexander, Shakarri Collins-Salmon, Earl Howell, Tylor Lansdowne-Thomas, Elijah McPherson, Denneil Morgan, Ian Weed, Tara Weed, Duy Mich Do, Micheal Edwin Maracle, A Sam Vuong, Lei Zheng, Van Minh Nguyen, Vin Hoang Le, Ngoc Luc Nguyen, Dinh Duc Tinh, Banh Thanh Truong, Pham Truong, and Bryan Paul Brant.
Many of those initially charged are now facing additional accusations, signaling a deepening investigation into the scope and complexity of this criminal network. The ongoing effort underscores a commitment to protecting the territory and dismantling illicit operations.
