Six males were taken into custody this week in connection with joint police operations targeting non-Indigenous criminal organizations on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Tyendinaga Police Service and the OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau began executing warrants related to cannabis operations on the reserve last week.
According to a social media post Wednesday, during the execution of a warrant on Homeland Drive, two males were taken into custody, three others fled and one was still outstanding.
In an update Thursday, Tyendinaga police reported that all six males have now been taken into custody.
There was no word on what charges the six are facing.
Last week, Tyendinaga Mohawk Council released a statement on this week’s coordinated police effort noting that council and Tyendinaga Police Service received a Community Safety Petition, signed by hundreds of community members, asking for these illegal operations to be dealt with.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs of Ontario have issued a statement saying they support joint police operations against organized crime.
“I commend the Tyendinaga Police Service for their unwavering commitment to community safety,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “I also extend my appreciation to the elected council and the community for their continued support of Tyendinaga police in the important work they do. This collaboration exemplifies the strength and resilience of our First Nations when we work together in the interest of community well-being.”
However, the Chiefs of Ontario are also reiterating a call for the co-development of new First Nations Police Services Legislation noting that First Nations policing has long been underfunded and treated as a discretionary program.
They are asking for federal legislation that recognizes First Nations policing as an essential service and provide adequate, stable, and predictable funding for community protection.