Search warrant executed at illegal cannabis storefront in east-end Ottawa, two arrested

Ottawa police executed a search warrant at Castle Heights Cannabis, an illegal cannabis business operating at 605 Centre St. in the Forbes community east of Vanier, and arrested two people who have been charged under the Cannabis Control Act. Both individuals were released on conditions.

Police seized cannabis edibles, psilocybin, tobacco, vaping products, Canadian currency, cell phones, and a computer from the storefront. The raid is part of ongoing enforcement by Ottawa police against illegal cannabis retailers in the city.

The action reflects a broader market shift since cannabis legalization in Canada. Legal sales have grown significantly: about 37 per cent of Canadians obtained cannabis from legal sources in 2019, rising to 72 per cent in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. At the same time, Canadian cannabis growing has increased relative to illegal store purchases, though both trends have declined over time.

This raid is part of ongoing enforcement by Ottawa police against illegal cannabis retailers in the city.