Over $2.3M in cannabis seized, seven charged in grow-op bust in Ramara: OPP
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Will Konken, October 10, 2024
Aerial shot of a Cannabis grow operation in the Township of Ramara / Supplied by Orillia OPP (Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024)
Seven people have been arrested and charged after a search warrant at a grow operation in Ramara where OPP seized over $2.3 million worth of cannabis.
Orillia OPP say they received information about the grow-op in August.
“Investigation revealed that the rural property was being utilized for a significant outdoor grow operation,” police stated today in a release.
“Orillia [Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU)] was able to determine that the property was licensed for indoor cultivation only, however, the grow was outdoors and significantly over the licensed amount.”
CSCU from Orillia, Nottawasaga, Dufferin, and Huronia West/Collingwood, with the assistance of an emergency response team and canine unit, executed a search warrant at the residence.
Police say the following items were seized:
- 2125 Cannabis Marijuana plants, valued at approximately $2,125,000
- 111 kilograms of dried Cannabis Marihuana, valued at approximately $222,000
- Total value of seized items: $2,347,000
A 68-year-old from Ramara, a 60-year-old of no fixed address, a 59-year-old from Scarborough, a 57-year-old from Markham, a 57-year-old from Vaughan, a 56-year-old from Scarborough, and a 56-year-old from Thornhill were each charged with:
- Cannabis Act 9(2)- Possession for the purpose of distribution
- Cannabis Act 12(6) – Unlawful cultivation of Marihuana
They were released for future court appearances