OPP seize over 40,000 kg of contraband tobacco in Six Nations

Ontario Provincial Police recovered over 40,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco, a handgun and manufacturing equipment in an investigation into a criminal network on Six Nations of the Grand River.

OPP began Project Track in April after a separate incident prompted a broader criminal investigation involving a tobacco manufacturing facility connected to a non-Indigenous criminal network.

Investigators say the profits generated from the illegal tobacco production were being channelled into the external criminal enterprise.

“These illegal operations not only undermine public safety but also exploit communities for profit. Through strong collaboration with our partners, we remain committed to disrupting these networks and holding those responsible accountable,” OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart says.

On Thursday, search warrants were executed at a residence in Hamilton, a large-scale manufacturing facility and on a vehicle on Six Nations.

As a result of the search warrants, officers seized over 40,000 kg of contraband tobacco (fine-cut tobacco and cigarettes) and 300 kg of shisha tobacco with an estimated street value of more than $10 million.

READ MORE: 67-year-old charged in Haldimand County for contraband tobacco

Officers also seized five complete cigarette manufacturing lines used for contraband tobacco production, a handgun, three stolen vehicles, one truck as offence-related property, $25,000 in Canadian currency and other items.

Investigators say during the execution of the search warrants, 13 individuals were located that were identified as foreign nationals.

Andrew Besam Haddadin,34, and Mustafa Jaber,45, both of Hamilton, were charged with several tobacco-related offenses.

Both accused were released from custody following a bail hearing and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford on July 23.

Anyone with information in relation to this ongoing investigation or the manufacturing of contraband tobacco is asked to contact the authorities at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.

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