Ottawa Police Seize Cannabis, 12,120 Cigarettes in Second Preston St. Search in 7 Days

Ottawa police seized about five pounds of cannabis flower, psilocybin products and 12,120 contraband cigarettes from a store on the 200 block of Preston Street on October 29, 2026. It was the second search warrant police executed at the same location within seven days, the Ottawa Police Service said.

Members of the Centretown Neighbourhood Resource Team, with help from the Tactical Section, carried out a Criminal Code search warrant at the retail location. Police said the warrant came out of ongoing enforcement against the unlawful sale of cannabis and nicotine products.

What was seized

According to police, officers seized:

• Approximately 5 pounds of cannabis flower
• 407 grams of pre-rolled cannabis
• 38 grams of hash
• 27,800 mg of THC products
• 24 grams of psilocybin products
• 24 nicotine vape devices
• 12,120 contraband cigarettes
• 70 cigars
• Two televisions
• Approximately $335 in Canadian currency

Charges

A 25-year-old Ottawa man was arrested and faces charges under the Cannabis Act, the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, police said. He is charged with:

• Possession of illicit cannabis
• Unlawful sale of cannabis
• Sale of unpackaged, unstamped tobacco
• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

First search on October 23

Police said they first executed a search warrant at the same location on October 23, 2026, after community complaints about illegal sales of cannabis and nicotine products. That search led to the seizure of about 4.79 kilograms of cannabis products, 40 vape devices, 14,285 contraband cigarettes and 95 cigars.

The Ottawa Police Service said it remains committed to addressing illegal storefront operations that, in its words, "undermine public safety, evade regulatory requirements" and feed the illicit market for cannabis and tobacco.

Police can be reached at their non-emergency line, 613-236-1222. Residents can also register their security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.