A Niagara-on-the-Lake man is among three people charged after an Ontario Provincial Police investigation into an alleged illegal online cannabis dispensary led to the seizure of more than $1.1 million in cannabis products.
The OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team launched Project DIAGONAL in 2024, targeting an online cannabis service operating under the names “Harmonized Hemp” and “CannaTrust.”
Police allege the operation offered same-day cannabis delivery throughout Niagara Region and shipped products through courier services across Canada.
Search warrants were executed May 5 and 6 at six locations in Niagara Region and Hamilton, as well as on five vehicles, with assistance from several police agencies, including Niagara Regional Police, Hamilton Police and the RCMP.
Investigators seized more than $1.1 million worth of illegal cannabis and cannabis products, 770 grams of psilocybin and about $13,000 in cash, police said.
Jason Muscat-Tyler, 32, of Niagara-on-the-Lake, was charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession of illicit cannabis, possession for the purpose of distributing and possession for the purpose of selling.
Sean Paul-Farr, 31, of Hamilton, faces the same cannabis-related charges, along with possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin.
Michelle Dolbeck, 37, of St. Catharines, was also charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin, in addition to the cannabis-related offences.
All three accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on June 8.
In a statement, OPP Chief Supt. Mike Stoddart said illegal online cannabis sales remain a priority for investigators.
“Unregulated products pose risks to public safety, and the profits generated are often used to fund other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, firearms offences and human trafficking,” Stoddart said.
Police reminded residents that legal cannabis sales in Ontario are regulated and must be conducted through authorized retailers approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or through the Ontario Cannabis Store.
