SIX NATIONS—More than 40,000kg of contraband tobacco, a handgun, and manufacturing equipment have been seized following an investigation into a criminal network producing and manufacturing contraband tobacco on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team (CTET) began Project TRACK in April 2026 to support the Six Nations Police Service after a separate incident prompted a broader criminal investigation. The investigation involved a tobacco manufacturing facility connected to a non-Indigenous criminal network. The profits generated from the illegal tobacco production were being channelled into the external criminal enterprise.
“This investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of the Six Nations of the Grand River community. This operation involved non-Indigenous criminal networks exploiting Indigenous lands, with profits that did not benefit our community,” said Chief Darren Montour, Six Nations Police Service.
“Criminal activity of this nature does not reflect our values, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to take action against criminal activity that undermines the integrity of our territory,” added Montour.
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, search warrants were executed at a residence in Hamilton, as well as a large-scale manufacturing facility and on a vehicle on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory by members from:
- OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB)
- OPP CTET
- Six Nations Police Service
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Aviation Unit
- OPP Community Street Crime Units
- Ontario Ministry of Finance
- OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
As a result of the search warrants, officers seized more than 40,000kg of contraband tobacco (fine cut tobacco and cigarettes) and 300kg of shisha tobacco with an estimated street value of more than $10 million.
The investigative team also seized/recovered the following:
- A handgun
- Five complete cigarette manufacturing lines used for contraband tobacco production
- Three stolen vehicles
- One truck as offence-related property
- $25,000 in Canadian currency
- Cell phones and other electronics
- Packaging material and cigarette-making components
“This investigation highlights the significant role criminal networks play in the manufacturing and distribution of contraband tobacco in Ontario. These illegal operations not only undermine public safety but also exploit communities for profit,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OCEB. “Through strong collaboration with our partners, we remain committed to disrupting these networks and holding those responsible accountable.”
During the execution of the search warrants, 13 individuals were located that were identified as foreign nationals. The CBSA is engaged and actively participating in the investigation.
Two Hamilton men, aged 34 and 45, were charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking contraband tobacco
- Possession of tobacco manufacturing equipment
- Manufacturing tobacco product without a license
- Unlawful possession or sale of tobacco products
Both accused were released from custody following a bail hearing and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford on Thursday, July 23.
The investigation is ongoing. No charges have been proven in court.
Anyone with information in relation to this investigation or the manufacturing of contraband tobacco is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
