Hamilton Police allegedly uncovered an illegal dog-breeding operation last week during a bust at an “illicit” drug dispensary east of the downtown area, resulting in charges being laid against three people.
Police said the seizures and arrests followed an investigation by the Central HEAT Unit that began in March, when officers began probing 4 Winds Medicine Lodge at 421 King St. E., near the intersection with Victoria Ave. S. in the city’s Landsdale area.
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The business is situated directly across from St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and police said it is also near other religious institutions, schools, daycares and shelters.
They said investigators had received information that the business was allegedly involved in the “illegal sale of cannabis and other controlled substances” before executing a search warrant at the address on Thursday.
“As a result, investigators seized a large quantity of illicit drugs and related items, along with prohibited weapons,” police alleged in a news release. “Officers also located two operational labs believed to be used in the production of crack cocaine.”
Cocaine, meth also seized during bust
Police said some of the items seized included 109 g of cocaine, 146 g of methamphetamine, two containers of GHB (also known as the date rape drug), more than 1,000 prescription pills and a spring-loaded knife.
They said the estimated value of the drugs was about $210,000.
Police also said that officers found eight puppies and two adult dogs that they believe were allegedly part of an illegal dog-breeding operation.
“Hamilton Animal Services attended the scene and took custody of the animals to ensure their well-being,” police said.
Police said a 40-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, both from Hamilton, as well as a 46-year-old Toronto man were facing multiple charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, proceeds of crime and production of a schedule I substance.
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‘Premier destination for high-quality cannabis’
A website purporting to belong to 4 Winds Medicine Lodge at 421 King St. E. in Hamilton advertises itself as a “medicine, native arts and dispensary” business that sells flowers, edibles, hash, concentrates and other products.
An undated blog post says the lodge is the “premier destination for high-quality cannabis in Hamilton, Ontario, and its surrounding towns.
“Whether you’re from Hamilton itself, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek or any other nearby neighbourhood, 4 Winds is committed to providing the best cannabis experience for both seasoned users and first-timers alike,” the post said.
An email seeking a comment from 4 Winds Medicine Lodge could not be completed due to host errors and calls to a number posted on the website went straight to voicemail.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Staff Sgt. Jen Currie at 905-546-3833 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com .