Hamilton Police Charge Two Men After Searching Illegal Cannabis Dispensaries on Wellington Street North and Barton Street East (October 30, 2026)

Two men are charged after Hamilton police executed search warrants at two illegal cannabis dispensaries, the Hamilton Police Service said on Friday, October 30, 2026. Police say a 27-year-old Hamilton man was charged after warrants at a Wellington Street North dispensary, where officers shut down the operation and barred entry to the premises, including the building owner, and that a 24-year-old male was charged after a warrant at a second dispensary on Barton Street East. Police say the Divisional HEAT Unit and the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit executed the first Wellington Street North warrant, and Chief Frank Bergen said, “Our message to illegal cannabis operators is clear: we are coming for you.”

Legal status: Charged. The allegations have not been tested in court and both men are presumed innocent.

The Wellington Street North Dispensary

Police say the Divisional HEAT Unit and the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit executed a search warrant at a dispensary on Wellington Street North two weeks before the announcement. According to police, the dispensary reopened the following day and the building owner was notified. Officers executed another warrant at the location the day before the announcement, shut down the operation and barred entry to the premises, including the building owner. A 27-year-old Hamilton man 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.

The Barton Street East Dispensary

With assistance from the Ministry of Labour Immigration, City of Hamilton municipal by-law and the OPP Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team, police say a second warrant was executed at another illegal cannabis dispensary on Barton Street East. A 24-year-old male was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.00, Trafficking in Controlled Tobacco, Possession of Illicit Cannabis, Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling, and Selling Cannabis without Authorization. Nine charges are listed across the two men.

What the Chief Said

Chief Frank Bergen said, “Our message to illegal cannabis operators is clear: we are coming for you.” He said reopening after police enforcement will bring further action, and that building owners who knowingly allow illegal businesses to operate should expect scrutiny and enforcement where warranted.

Police say approximately 30 illegal cannabis dispensaries are operating in Hamilton and that illegal cannabis establishments often have ties to broader organized crime networks. They say addressing fentanyl trafficking remains a priority. Police have not alleged that either accused is linked to a gang or criminal organization.

Both men are presumed innocent, and none of the charges has been tested in court. The allegations are those of the Hamilton Police Service, as published in its release.