RCMP Confiscate Tens of Thousands of Illegal Cannabis Edibles Packaged to Resemble Candy in B.C.
Federal authorities have arrested six people and seized tens of thousands of illegal cannabis edibles disguised as popular brand-name candies after raiding two unlicensed dispensaries in British Columbia.
According to RCMP, the suspects are believed to be part of an organized crime group involved in producing and distributing cannabis and other illegal drugs throughout the province.
The investigation began with the sale of contraband tobacco, which led officers to uncover the alleged drug distribution network, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Arash Seyed explained at a news conference on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the RCMP’s Pacific Region Federal Policing division executed search warrants at two unlicensed cannabis dispensaries and five residences on Vancouver Island. The dispensaries, identified as Green Coast Dispensary in Port Alberni and Coastal Storm Dispensary in Lantzville, were the focal points of the operation.
In addition to the dispensaries, investigators searched a suspected stash site in Port Alberni and a storage and production facility adjacent to the Coastal Storm Dispensary. According to an RCMP news release, “two modular trailers used for the production, storage, and distribution of cannabis edibles” were also searched.
More than 120,000 cannabis edibles packaged to resemble well-known treats, such as Oreo cookies, Rice Krispies Treats, Kit Kat bars, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, were seized. Additionally, authorities recovered over 225 kilograms of cannabis flower and several kilograms of other processed cannabis products.
Investigators remain uncertain about the total number of illicit edibles that may have already been manufactured and sold through the suspected distribution network.
“We don’t know how many are already out there,” Seyed noted. “This was initially a contraband tobacco investigation, which unexpectedly led to the discovery of these facilities.”
“Serious Health Risks”
During the searches, officers uncovered over three kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms, thousands of psilocybin capsules, and hundreds of psilocybin edibles. Police also seized five vehicles, two ATMs, over $400,000 in cash, a shotgun, and approximately 82,000 packs of contraband cigarettes.
“Although the contraband cannabis-laced candy bars and chips appeared professionally manufactured and packaged, they were found to have been produced in unsanitary, heavily contaminated modular trailers,” stated the RCMP in a news release.
A preliminary assessment revealed the edibles contained unknown quantities of THC and may have been cross-contaminated with other substances present in the trailers during production. Some of the counterfeit snacks contained dangerously high levels of THC, with labels suggesting potency up to 100 times stronger than regulated products.
With Halloween approaching, police are urging the public to keep cannabis products out of children’s reach.
“These products pose serious health risks,” warned Chief Supt. Stephen Lee, deputy regional commander of the RCMP Federal Policing Program – Pacific Region. “We advise extreme caution for anyone who may possess or encounter these items.”
The RCMP reports that the investigation is ongoing, with several drug-related charges pending.
