In March 2022 the EPS Drug & Gang Enforcement Section (EDGE) initiated an investigation into an online cannabis retailer operating in the Edmonton area. It was determined by investigators the business was not licensed to grow and sell cannabis and was doing so illegally, using multiple locations in and around Edmonton. Investigators believe that cannabis production licenses for personal medical needs were being misused to facilitate production.
On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, search warrants were executed at multiple residences in Edmonton and a warehouse in Onoway, Alberta. Multiple items were seized, including:
- 2,589 cannabis plants (approximate street value of $2,600,000)
- 134.2 kg of dried cannabis flower (approximate street value of $779,000)
- 947 grams of psilocybin (approximate street value of $12,000)
- 636 grams of cannabis concentrate products (approximate street value of $14,000)
- $15,500 in Canadian cash
- Cannabis cultivation equipment, including specialized lighting equipment valued at approximately $177,000
- 2022 Tesla Model 3
- 2020 Tesla Model 3
- 2016 Dodge Ram
The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending against multiple individuals.
“The funds derived from the illegal production and sale of cannabis results in the proceeds generated being injected into the legitimate economy,” says Const. Dan Melnyk with EDGE. “This can unfortunately undermine the integrity of the financial system.”
“Also, the illegal production and sale of cannabis causes the regulated cannabis production sites and licensed cannabis retailers to incur a significant loss of revenue. Overall, these activities jeopardise the legitimate industry’s existence.”