Police shut down illegal cannabis dispensary on Rideau Street in Ottawa

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

An illegal cannabis dispensary operating on Rideau Street in Ottawa has been shut down by police.

The Ottawa Police Service says officers with the Central Neighbourhood Resource Team executed a search warrant at the dispensary on May 7 in connection to “multiple suspected offences” under the Cannabis Control Act.

“Officers seized wholesale quantities of cannabis, cannabis-related products, Canadian currency, and drug trafficking equipment,” police said in a media release Wednesday morning.

The cannabis store was located on Rideau Street, between Friel Street and Augusta Street. The investigation is ongoing, and police say charges are pending.

In February, the Ottawa Police Service identified several dispensaries operating across the city without valid provincial licences.

“In March 2025, the Vanier/Overbrook Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRTVO) launched an investigation into one such location in the 100 block of Beechwood Avenue,” police said. “Both police and the property owners issued Notices of Contravention to the operator, requesting proof of compliance with Ontario’s cannabis legislation or an immediate cessation of operations. Despite these formal warnings, the business continued to operate unlawfully.”

Police say on April 22, officers executed a search warrant related to “multiple offences” under the Cannabis Control Act, and police seized quantities of cannabis, Canadian cash and drug trafficking equipment.

“The premises has been shut down, and control returned to the property owners,” police said.

Under section 6 of the Cannabis Control Act, only authorized retailers are permitted to sell and distribute cannabis.