A 27-year-old Hamilton man, whose name was not released, was charged with selling cannabis other than as an authorized retailer, possession of illicit cannabis, possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling and proceeds of crime.[1][2] On 29 October 2026, officers executed another search warrant at 45 Wellington St. N., shut down the operation and barred entry to the premises, including to the building owner.[3][4][2] Hamilton Police said they had shut down two illegal cannabis dispensaries, one of which had reopened almost immediately following a previous search warrant.[1][2]

A second warrant was executed at another illegal dispensary at 1142 Barton St. E., with assistance from other services including City of Hamilton by-law officers and the OPP Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team.[3][2] A 24-year-old man, whose name was not released, was charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, trafficking in controlled tobacco, possession of illicit cannabis, possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling and selling cannabis without authorization.[1][2]

Chief Frank Bergen said illegal cannabis operators should expect further action if they reopen, and that building owners who knowingly allow the businesses to operate should expect scrutiny and enforcement.[1][4] Police said approximately 30 illegal cannabis dispensaries are operating in Hamilton.[3][4][2] Police said search warrants and charges alone had not stopped some operators from reopening almost immediately, and that they were taking further steps to disrupt repeat illegal activity.[3]

The dispensary at 45 Wellington Street North reopened one day after officers executed a search warrant there two weeks earlier.[4] Police said enforcement was continuing as part of a broader strategy to address illegal drug activity and organized crime.[4]

Police continue to hear concerns from residents and licensed cannabis businesses that follow the rules.[2]