More than 40,000 kg of contraband tobacco, a handgun and manufacturing equipment have been seized following an investigation into a criminal network producing and manufacturing contraband tobacco on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team (CTET) began Project TRACK in April 2026 to support the Six Nations Police Service after a separate incident prompted a broader criminal investigation.
“This investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the Six Nations of the Grand River community. This operation involved non-Indigenous criminal networks exploiting 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 alongside our partners to take action against criminal activity that undermines the integrity of our territory,” said Chief Darren Montour of the Six Nations Police Service.
The investigation involved a tobacco manufacturing facility connected to a non-Indigenous criminal network. The profits generated from the illegal tobacco production were being channeled into the external criminal enterprise.
“This investigation highlights the significant role criminal networks play in the manufacturing and distribution of contraband tobacco in Ontario. These illegal operations not only undermine public safety but also exploit communities for profit. Through strong collaboration with our partners, we remain committed to disrupting these networks and holding those responsible accountable,” added OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OCEB.
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, search warrants were executed at a residence in Hamilton, as well as a large-scale manufacturing facility and on a vehicle on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory by members from:
- OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB)
- OPP CTET
- Six Nations Police Service
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Aviation Unit
- OPP Community Street Crime Units
- Ontario Ministry of Finance (MOF)
- OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
As a result of the search warrants, officers seized more than 40,000 kg of contraband tobacco (fine cut tobacco and cigarettes) and 300 kg of shisha tobacco with an estimated street value of more than $10 million.
The investigative team also seized/recovered the following:
- A handgun
- Five complete cigarette manufacturing lines used for contraband tobacco production
- Three stolen vehicles
- One truck as offence-related property
- $25,000 in Canadian currency
- Cell phones and other electronics
- Packaging material and cigarette-making components
During the execution of the search warrants, 13 individuals were located that were identified as foreign nationals. The CBSA is engaged and actively participating in the investigation.
Andrew Besam HADADDIN, age 34 and Mustafa JABER, age 45, both of Hamilton, were charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) and Excise Act, 2001 (EA, 2001) offences:
- Trafficking contraband tobacco, s. 121.1 CC
- Possession of tobacco manufacturing equipment, s. 32.1(1) EA, 2001
- Manufacturing tobacco product without a license, s. 25(1) EA, 2001
- Unlawful possession or sale of tobacco products, s. 32(1) EA, 2001
Both accused were released from custody following a bail hearing and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The investigation is ongoing.
