Based on coverage from CBC, Global News, CP24, Winnipeg Free Press, and The Hamilton Spectator.
Hamilton police say a raid on an alleged illegal dispensary on King Street East turned into something bigger: a major drug and weapons seizure, plus the discovery of what investigators believe was an illegal dog-breeding operation.
This incident follows a recent trend of police operations targeting illegal activities in the region, including a recent bust by Halton police that resulted in the arrest of six individuals involved in a counterfeit currency operation, highlighting ongoing concerns about criminal enterprises in the area. For more details, see our coverage of the counterfeit currency bust in Halton.
Three people have been arrested and face multiple charges. Police say the investigation is still ongoing.
Hamilton police raid King Street East dispensary
Hamilton Police Service says officers started investigating in March after receiving information that a business operating as 4 Winds Medicine Lodge was involved in the illegal sale of cannabis and other controlled substances.
Police executed a search warrant on April 16 at 421 King St. E., in the Landsdale area. One report notes police also pointed out the location is near a school, a daycare, a shelter and several churches.
$210,000 in drugs and pills seized
Police say they seized about $210,000 worth of illegal drugs. Across the reports, the types of drugs mentioned include cocaine, methamphetamine, GHB and more than 1,000 prescription pills.
Some outlets provide a more detailed list of what police say they found, including 109 grams of cocaine, 146 grams of methamphetamine, two containers of GHB, and over 1,000 prescription pills. Photos shared by police show rows of pills, along with other seized items.
Weapons and suspected crack cocaine labs found
Along with drugs, police say they found prohibited weapons during the search. Specific items mentioned in coverage include a spring-loaded knife.
Police also say they located two operational labs believed to be used in the production of crack cocaine. One report describes additional lab items as equipment believed to be used in producing crack cocaine. Charges listed in reports include production of a Schedule I substance, alongside trafficking-related allegations.
Ten dogs taken into custody by animal services
Police say officers found eight puppies and two adult dogs at the site. Investigators believe the animals were part of an illegal dog-breeding operation.
Hamilton Animal Services attended and took custody of the dogs, with police saying it was done to ensure the animals’ well-being. Photos released by police include images of several puppies found during the search.
Charges and what happens next
Police say a 40-year-old man from Hamilton, a 24-year-old woman from Hamilton, and a 46-year-old man from North York were arrested.
The accused face multiple charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of proceeds of crime, and production of a Schedule I substance.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Hamilton police. The investigation remains ongoing.
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