Ontario Provincial Police say six people have been arrested after officers dismantled an illegal cannabis production operation in Greater Napanee, seizing nearly $8 million worth of plants. In September, police began an investigation into a suspected grow op on County Road 12 in Greater Napanee, about 60 kilometres northwest of Kingston, Ont. Officers executed a search warrant at the property on Sept. 24. Four people were arrested on scene and two more were arrested a short time later after they had attempted to run away, according to police. Police said officers seized approximately 5,260 cannabis plants, valued at $7.9 million, a 2015 Lexus RX350, valued at approximately $18,000, and around $1,900 in cash. “Illegal cannabis production operations continue to generate significant profits for criminal enterprises while creating safety risks for communities. This investigation resulted in the dismantling of a large-scale commercial grow operation and demonstrates the OPP’s commitment to identifying and disrupting illegal cannabis production across Ontario,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. OPP say the following individuals have each been charged under the Cannabis Act with cultivate illicit cannabis, section 12(4)(a), and possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution, section 9(2): They are scheduled to appear in court in December. The OPP added that the investigation revealed significant fire, electrical and property safety concerns. “As a result, hydro service was disconnected due to safety risks. Fire officials issued fines and municipal by-law officials issued compliance orders related to the property,” police said in a news release.
