$26 million in cannabis seized after Health Canada compliance checks

Police have seized $23 million in cannabis plants after Health Canada said the licensed medical grow-op exploited regulatory loopholes.

Cannabis raids in Chatham-Kent uncovered massive illegal grow operations, according to Chatham-Kent police.

On June 26, following a referral from Health Canada inspectors regarding suspected violations of cannabis cultivation regulations, the Chatham-Kent Police Service Intelligence Unit responded to two locations in Chatham.

Police say it was determined that these buildings were licensed for four individuals to grow cannabis on-site, with each authorized to cultivate 438 plants annually for personal medical use. However, police say compliance checks revealed that both sites on Patteson Avenue were cultivating far beyond their permitted limits, operating as commercial-scale grow operations rather than adhering to personal use regulations.

As a result of these findings, the Intelligence Unit secured judicial authorization to search both properties for evidence of Cannabis Act offences.

Systematic searches conducted on June 26 and 27, 2025, led to the seizure of a total of 23,474 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of approximately $23.4 million. Officers also secured various items related to the operations, including two vehicles.

Charges are anticipated in the coming weeks as the investigations continue.

On June 24, police say Health Canada agents conducted a compliance check on a licensed medical marijuana grow operation on Talbot Trail in Merlin and discovered that it was exploiting regulatory loopholes, significantly exceeding its authorized plant limits.

In response, on June 25, the Intelligence Unit obtained judicial authorization to enter and search the property for illicit cannabis.

This investigation resulted in the seizure of 2,765 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of $2.765 million.

A 47-year-old man and a 39-year-old man, both from Merlin, were arrested and charged with cultivating, propagating, or harvesting cannabis plants derived from illicit seeds or plant material, in violation of section 12(4)(a) of the Cannabis Act. They were both released and are scheduled to appear in court on July 15.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service says it is dedicated to addressing and enforcing compliance with cannabis regulations to ensure community safety and prevent the exploitation of the legal framework for profit.