Six Nations police arrest eight in connection with illegal tobacco manufacturing facility in Project PANDA investigation

Police have laid charges following an investigation into a tobacco manufacturing facility operated by a non-Indigenous criminal network on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.

In February 2025, OPP began what they call ‘Project PANDA’ to support the Six Nations Police Service in investigating a criminal network producing and manufacturing contraband tobacco on the territory.

The profits were not invested into, nor used by the community.

In May 2025, police say the investigation led to the seizure of more than 25,000 kg of contraband tobacco and more than 1,360 pounds of illicit cannabis.

Eight individuals were arrested and charged with 48 Criminal Code, Excise Act and Cannabis Act offences.

Laura Fernanda Rodriguez Reyes, 26, of Ancaster;
Edson Ivan Martinez Alavarez, 32, of Ancaster;
Moises Agustin Mendoza Sanchez, 22, of Hamilton;
Juan Antonio Murilla Mendez, 36, of Hamilton, and;
Juan Jose Salazar Paz, 37, of Hamilton.

Each been charged with the following offences:

• Trafficking contraband tobacco;
• Unlawful manufacturing of tobacco product;
• Unlawful packaging of a tobacco product;
• Unlawful possession or sale of tobacco products;
• Possession of tobacco manufacturing equipment;
• Possession of illicit cannabis;
• Possession for the purpose of distributing.

Yuze Wang, 26, of Markham, has been charged with:
• Trafficking contraband tobacco;
• Unlawful possession or sale of tobacco products.

Ethan Kanghu Cho, 26, of Ohsweken, has been charged with
• possession of a prohibited weapon, device or ammunition;

Haeki Cho, 57 of Ohsweken, has been charged with
• contravention of firearm storage regulations;
• unauthorized possession of a firearm.

All of the accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before a Brantford court next month.

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. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online here.

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