Hamilton Police have shut down two illegal cannabis dispensaries, one of which had reopened almost immediately following a previous search warrant.

Two weeks ago, the Divisional HEAT Unit and Major Drugs and Gangs Unit executed a search warrant at 45 Wellington Street North. The dispensary reopened the following day, and the building owner was notified.

Yesterday, officers executed another search warrant at that location, shut down the operation and barred entry to the premises, including the building owner.

A 27-year-old Hamilton man was charged with:

• Selling Cannabis other than as an Authorized Retailer
• Possession of Illicit Cannabis
• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
• Proceeds of Crime

With assistance from other services including The Ministry of Labour Immigration, City of Hamilton Municiple By-Law, and OPP Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team, a second warrant was also executed at another illegal cannabis dispensary located at 1142 Barton Street East. As a result of the investigation, a 24-year-old male was charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.00
• Trafficking in Controlled Tobacco
• Possession of Illicit Cannabis
• Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
• Selling Cannabis without Authorization

“Our message to illegal cannabis operators is clear: we are coming for you. Reopening after police enforcement will bring further action,” said Chief Frank Bergen. “Building owners who knowingly allow these illegal businesses to operate should also expect scrutiny and enforcement where warranted. You cannot simply collect the rent and ignore what is happening on your property.”

Approximately 30 illegal cannabis dispensaries are operating in Hamilton. Police continue to hear concerns from residents and licensed cannabis businesses that follow the rules.

Search warrants and charges alone have not stopped some operators from reopening almost immediately. Hamilton Police are taking further steps to disrupt repeat illegal activity and prevent these locations from continuing to operate.

Addressing fentanyl trafficking remains a priority. Illegal cannabis establishments often have ties to broader organized crime networks. Enforcement against illegal cannabis dispensaries is part of the Service’s broader work to address community concerns and illegal drug activity.