OPP Busts Major Contraband Tobacco Operation on Six Nations Territory
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have dismantled a large-scale illegal tobacco manufacturing operation on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, seizing over 40,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco and 300 kilograms of hookah tobacco with an estimated street value exceeding $10 million.
The investigation, dubbed Project TRACK, began in April 2026 following a separate incident that uncovered broader criminal activity. Authorities executed search warrants last Thursday at a residence in Hamilton and at a major manufacturing facility and vehicle located within the Six Nations community.
Significant Seizures and Charges
In addition to the tobacco products, police confiscated five complete cigarette production lines, three stolen vehicles, a truck deemed crime-related property, $25,000 in Canadian currency, cell phones, electronics, packaging materials, and cigarette manufacturing components. A handgun was also recovered during the operation.
Two men from Hamilton have been charged: Andrew Besam Hadaddin, 34, and Mustafa Jaber, 45. They face charges including trafficking in contraband tobacco, possession of tobacco manufacturing equipment, manufacturing tobacco products without a license, and illegally possessing or selling tobacco products.
Foreign Nationals and Ongoing Investigation
During the execution of the search warrants, 13 individuals identified as foreign nationals were located at the scene. The Canada Border Services Agency is now involved in the investigation.
OPP Chief Detective Mike Stoddart of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau stated, “This investigation highlights the significant role criminal networks play in the production and distribution of contraband tobacco in Ontario. These illegal operations not only undermine public safety, but also exploit communities for profit.”
Community Impact and Response
The investigation revealed that the tobacco factory was linked to a non-Indigenous criminal network, with profits from the illegal production flowing to criminal enterprises outside of the Six Nations community.
Darren Montour, chief of the Six Nations Police Service, emphasized the community’s stance: “This investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the Six Nations Grand River community. This operation involved non-Indigenous criminal networks that exploited Indigenous lands with profits that did not benefit our community. Criminal activity of this nature does not reflect our values and we will continue to work with our partners to address criminal activity that undermines the integrity of our territory.”
The OPP emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
