A major Quebec cannabis raid across the Greater Montreal area and nearby regions led to the seizure of cannabis, thousands of drug tablets, cash, firearms and ammunition, according to the Sûreté du Québec.
The operation took place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, as police investigated suspected cannabis smuggling and the alleged fraudulent use of certificates intended for personal medical cannabis production.
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Quebec cannabis raid spans five municipalities
The Sûreté du Québec said its anti-smuggling investigators carried out searches at residences, vehicles and a warehouse.
The searches took place in Montreal, Repentigny, L’Assomption, Saint-Sulpice and Grenville-sur-la-Rouge.
About 50 police officers took part in the operation, with support from other SQ units and police services in Montreal, Repentigny and L’Assomption.
The SQ described the investigation as ongoing and did not identify suspects, arrests or charges in its September 16 release.
What police seized
The operation produced a broad range of seizures, including drugs, cannabis plants, cash and weapons.
| Item | Amount reported by SQ |
|---|---|
| Cannabis | More than 15 kilograms |
| Cannabis plants | More than 150 |
| Methamphetamine tablets | More than 2,000 |
| Ecstasy tablets | More than 7,000 |
| Contraband cigarettes | More than 1,280 |
| Cash | More than $200,000 |
| Firearms | Three, along with ammunition |
The quantities released by police are preliminary and could be refined as investigators complete their work.
The SQ has not said whether the seized material was connected to one distribution network or to several locations operating under the same investigation.
Why medical cannabis certificates are part of the investigation
Canada allows eligible adults to register with Health Canada to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes.
That system requires an application, supporting medical documentation and a registration certificate before production begins.
The certificate identifies the authorized production location and the permitted limits for plants, production and possession.
Police allege that certificates connected to personal medical production were used fraudulently in the activity under investigation.
The SQ did not say whether the certificates were forged, obtained through false information or used to produce cannabis beyond authorized limits.
Those details could emerge later if charges are laid or investigators provide an additional update.
Operation linked to Quebec’s ACCES Cannabis program
The operation was coordinated through ACCES Cannabis, a Quebec government initiative aimed at disrupting the underground cannabis economy.
The program focuses on illegal production, trafficking and smuggling across the cannabis supply chain.
It also seeks to reduce access for young people and direct consumers toward the regulated cannabis market.
The SQ said the program has operated across Quebec since 2018.
What happens next
The investigation remains active, and police have not released the identities of people connected to the searches.
Further steps could include forensic analysis of seized drugs, firearms and electronic devices, as well as interviews with people associated with the properties and vehicles searched.
Any future charges would have to be assessed by prosecutors and proven in court.
The SQ is asking anyone with information about cannabis smuggling or drug trafficking to contact its confidential criminal information line at 1-800-659-4264.
People with information can also contact police through the usual emergency or non-emergency channels, depending on whether there is an immediate threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Quebec cannabis raid take place?
Police searched residences, vehicles and a warehouse in Montreal, Repentigny, L’Assomption, Saint-Sulpice and Grenville-sur-la-Rouge.
What was seized in the operation?
The SQ reported more than 15 kilograms of cannabis, more than 150 plants, over 2,000 methamphetamine tablets, more than 7,000 ecstasy tablets, contraband cigarettes, over $200,000 in cash, three firearms and ammunition.
Were arrests or charges announced?
The SQ’s September 16 release did not identify arrests or charges and said the investigation was continuing.
What are medical cannabis production certificates?
They are Health Canada registration certificates that authorize eligible people to produce or possess limited amounts of cannabis for personal medical purposes under federal rules.
How can people provide information about suspected cannabis smuggling?
The SQ says confidential information can be provided to its criminal information line at 1-800-659-4264.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against the Sûreté du Québec’s September 16, 2026 seizure update and Health Canada’s official medical cannabis registration information. ([sq.gouv.qc.ca](https://www.sq.gouv.qc.ca/communiques/bilan-des-perquisitions-en-lien-avec-la-contrebande-de-cannabis-et-utilisation-frauduleuse-des-certificats-dinscriptions-a-des-fins-medicales/?date=ASC&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The investigation is ongoing, and allegations have not been tested in court.