OPP DISMANTLE ILLEGAL ONLINE CANNABIS DISPENSARY
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Project DIAGONAL was initiated in 2024 and focused on an illegal online cannabis dispensary operating under the names “Harmonized Hemp” and “CannaTrust.” Investigators determined the dispensary offered same-day delivery within the Niagara Region and shipped illegal cannabis products through courier services to other areas across Canada.
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and Wednesday, May 6, 2026, search warrants were executed at six locations in Niagara Region and Hamilton, as well as on five vehicles, by members from:
- OPP Community Street Crime Units
- Niagara and Burlington OPP
- OPP Digital Forensics
- OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit
- Niagara Regional Police Service
- Hamilton Police Service
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
As a result of the investigation, officers seized illegal cannabis and cannabis products valued at more than $1.1 million, as well as 770 g of psilocybin and approximately $13,000 in Canadian currency.
Jason MUSCAT-TYLER, age 32 of Niagara on the Lake, was charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) and Cannabis Act (CA) offences:
- Possession of property obtained by crime, s. 354(1)(a) CC
- Possession of illicit cannabis, s. 8(1)(b) CA
- Possession for the purpose of distributing, s. 9(2) CA
- Possession for the purpose of selling, s. 10(2) CA
Sean PAUL-FARR, age 31 of Hamilton, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime, s. 354(1)(a) CC
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - psilocybin, s. 5(2) of the Controlled drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
- Possession of illicit cannabis, s. 8(1)(b) CA
- Possession for the purpose of distributing, s. 9(2) CA
- Possession for the purpose of selling, s. 10(2) CA
Michelle DOLBECK, age 37 of St. Catharines, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime, s. 354(1)(a) CC
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - psilocybin, s. 5(2) CDSA
- Possession of illicit cannabis, s. 8(1)(b) CA
- Possession for the purpose of distributing, s. 9(2) CA
- Possession for the purpose of selling, s. 10(2) CA
The accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Monday, June 8, 2026.
ONLINE CANNABIS SALES: LEGAL VS. ILLEGAL
Illegal cannabis can pose serious health risks, and profits from sales of illegal cannabis products are often used to fund other criminal activities. Legal cannabis in Ontario is strictly regulated, and purchasing from unauthorized sources is illegal. Authorized cannabis retailers must sell legal cannabis products that are marked in consistent ways , including packaging that has:
- Clearly labelled THC levels, CBD levels and quantities
- Edibles: max 10 mg THC per package
- Dried Cannabis: max quantity 30 g per package
- Plain, child-resistant packaging with the standard cannabis symbol
Indicators that an online cannabis store is illegal include no age verification, requests for identification uploads, youth-oriented branding and payment by cash, e-transfer or cryptocurrency.
If purchasing cannabis online, purchase from the Ontario Cannabis Store, or ensure the retailer is authorized through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) by visiting agco.ca/cannabis .
- OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau