Alleged contraband tobacco plant busted on Six Nations; $10 million in contraband seized
· Toronto Sun
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Ontario Provincial Police have busted a criminal network allegedly producing and manufacturing contraband tobacco on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, seizing more than 40,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco and 300 kilograms of shisha tobacco with a street value of more than $10 million.
Also seized were a handgun and manufacturing equipment following an investigation that began in April 2026 called Project TRACK to help the Six Nations Police Service after a separate incident led to a broader criminal probe.
That probe involved a tobacco manufacturing facility connected to a non-Indigenous criminal network with the profits from the illegal tobacco production going to a criminal enterprise outside Six Nations.
Last Thursday, search warrants were executed at a residence in Hamilton, as well as a large-scale manufacturing facility and on a vehicle on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, the OPP said.
As a result of the search warrants, the OPP said it also seized five complete cigarette manufacturing lines used for contraband tobacco production, three stolen vehicles, one truck as offence-related property, $25,000 in Canadian currency, cell phones and other electronics and packaging material and cigarette-making components
13 foreign nationals were located during the search warrants
During the execution of the search warrants, the OPP said 13 people were located that were identified as foreign nationals and the Canada Border Services Agency is involved in the investigation.
Andrew Besam Hadaddin, 34, and Mustafa Jaber, 45, both of Hamilton, have been charged with trafficking contraband tobacco, possession of tobacco manufacturing equipment, manufacturing tobacco product without a license, and unlawful possession or sale of tobacco products.
“This investigation highlights the significant role criminal networks play in the manufacturing and distribution of contraband tobacco in Ontario,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, in a statement.
“These illegal operations not only undermine public safety but also exploit communities for profit. Through strong collaboration with our partners, we remain committed to disrupting these networks and holding those responsible accountable.”
The investigation is ongoing.
“This investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the Six Nations of the Grand River community,” said Six Nations Police Service’s Chief Darren Montour in a statement.
“This operation involved non-Indigenous criminal networks exploiting Indigenous lands, with profits that did not benefit our community. Criminal activity of this nature does not reflect our values, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to take action against criminal activity that undermines the integrity of our territory,” Montour said.
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 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca .