Ottawa police shut down unlicensed cannabis dealer on Rideau Street

Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin Street. Photo by Jean Levac /PostmediaArticle content

Ottawa police have shut down another unlicensed cannabis dispensary on Rideau Street, seizing illicit drugs, cash and “drug trafficking equipment.”

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On May 7, the force’s central neighbourhood resource team executed a search warrant on the property related to multiple suspected offences under the Cannabis Control Act (CCA).

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Police said in a release the investigation is ongoing, and “charges are pending.”

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It’s part of a continuing crackdown by Ottawa police on unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in the city.

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In February, the Ottawa police drug unit identified several dispensaries allegedly operating across the city without valid provincial licences.

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In March 2025, police in the Vanier and Overbrook neighbourhoods began an investigation into a location in the 100 block of Beechwood Avenue.

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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.

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“Despite these warnings, the business continued to operate unlawfully,” police said.

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On April 22, police executed a search warrant related to suspected offences under the Cannabis Control Act. Police seized wholesale quantities of cannabis, and related products, cash and “drug trafficking equipment.”

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The premises was shut down, and control returned to the property owners.

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Under section 6 of the Cannabis Control Act, the sale or distribution of cannabis by anyone other than an authorized retailer is prohibited. The act prohibits landlords from knowingly allowing their property to be used for illegal cannabis activities.

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Penalties are stiff under the law.

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Upon a first conviction, individuals may face fines ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, imprisonment of up to two years less a day, or both.

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Corporations are subject to even steeper fines.

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Anyone with information about unlicensed cannabis operations or other drug-related activity is asked to contact the Ottawa police drug unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5080.

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