The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) has cracked down on a cannabis smuggling operation tied to Asian organized crime. In a coordinated effort involving over 130 SQ officers, along with support from Montreal and Ontario Provincial Police, a series of raids are underway in the greater Montreal region, Vaudreuil-Dorion, and Markham near Toronto.
According to SQ spokesperson Laurie Avoine, the investigation indicates that fraudulent use of cannabis cultivation certificates for medical reasons is enabling the criminal network to mask their illicit activities under a guise of legitimacy.
The global demand for Canadian cannabis, particularly in Europe, has surged due to the lower prices resulting from legalization in Canada.
