Massive police drug raid on Mohawks land leads to 38 arrests

This morning, the investigators of the Aboriginal Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (A-CFSEU) dismantled a criminal organization involved in a major drug trafficking network. More than 500 police officers were involved in this operation conducted on the Kanesatake and Akwesasne Aboriginal territories, as well as in the Montréal and North Shore regions.

This major investigation, dubbed Project CONNECTIVITY, was launched in January 2010 to address the concerns of the Aboriginal community in the affected area. The illegal activity in which the targeted criminal organization engaged involved the use of violence and intimidation and had a negative impact on the local residents.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Sûreté du Québec, assisted by the First Nations Police of Quebec and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, worked together to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion and to safeguard the interests of the community. This partnership has proven essential in their efforts to combat Aboriginal-based organized crime.

The investigation shed light on an organization known for its involvement in drug trafficking and cultivation of marihuana. According to the investigation, Tyron Canatonquin, a resident of Kanesatake, has been identified as the leader of the organization.

The organization mainly used various sources as suppliers, and a number of brokers acted on behalf of Canatonquin. Several key players in the organization or in cells linked to the organization were identified. The external criminal groups associated with Canatonquin were able to take advantage of the community and status of Aboriginal territories to commit illegal acts.

The roundup operation included 13 searches and resulted in the arrest of approximately forty subjects, including 38 who were wanted on a warrant. The investigation could lead to further arrests. The officers also seized some drugs, firearms, cash and a hydroponic greenhouse on the premises. The members of the network face a number of charges, including drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, drug trafficking and conspiracy.