NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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WELLAND - On Thursday, April 25, 2019, members of the Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Niagara Regional Police Service, executed multiple search warrants at illegal cannabis storefronts in Welland, Ont.
As a result of the multiple warrants being executed, police seized cash, bill counters, cannabis, hash, CBD/THC oils, shatter, cannabis seeds, cannabis flower, cannabis concentrates of chocolate bars/gummies/lotions/bath salts/hot chocolate/ice tea and CBD distillates, tincture, cocaine, tasers and a motor vehicle.
Natalie Liske, 29 years old; Clayton Sherwood, 35 years old; Joseph Pawlik, 28 years old; and Joe Pimental, 28 years old, all from of Welland, Ont. were arrested and charged with five counts of possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling, five counts of possessing cannabis for the purpose of distributing, contrary to the Cannabis Act and Proceeds of crime over $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code.
In addition Joe Pimental was also charged with possession of cocaine and a restricted weapon/device contrary to the Criminal code.
The accuseds were all released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.
The OPP is continuing to lead an enforcement strategy which includes other Ontario police services. This strategy will reflect actionable intelligence on illegal cannabis operations.
The focus of the strategy is to dismantle organized crime groups, eliminate the illegal cannabis supply, remove illegal cannabis enterprises such as store fronts and online, and target the proceeds of crime and assets.
Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.
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