Police arrest 2 people accused of selling illegal cannabis in York Region after 2 youths got sick

A York Regional Police patch is shown Dec, 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

Two people have been charged after allegedly operating an illegal cannabis distribution network within York Region that resulted in two youths being ill.

York Regional Police said it was reported to them last week that several youths had accessed an online cannabis distribution website.

Two youths reportedly became ill after consuming products from the website, police said.

Investigators later reviewed the website and saw cannabis products being advertised in packaging that was in contravention of the law.

“The investigation determined that the website was operating without a licence authorizing the business to sell cannabis, that the cannabis was unregulated, and that the operator of the website was not confirming the identity or age of customers purchasing the products,” police said in a news release on Thursday.

On Wednesday, police searched a residence in Vaughan and another in Brampton, as well as a vehicle allegedly used to distribute the products.

Police said officers seized a quantity of illicit cannabis products and proceeds of crime.

They also arrested two suspects, 30-year-old Artin Dawood of Vaughan and 59-year-old Talia Dawood of Brampton. Police said the two are family members, but would not confirm further how they are related, as their relationship does not impact the investigation.

Both have been charged with possession for the purpose of distribution.

Artin is facing additional charges of distributing illicit cannabis, dangerous driving and stunt driving.

In the news release, police asked parents to speak with their children about the dangers of buying unregulated cannabis online.

“Investigators are reminding parents that youth are increasingly accessing cannabis products through online sources. These products may be unregulated, improperly packaged and pose serious health risks,” police said.