Police seized over 800 grams of opium and dried pods and seeds in a raid north of Brampton.
The OPP says officers began investigating suspected opium cultivation in Caledon over the summer.
Investigators say the investigation led officers with the Caledon and Muskoka OPP Community Street Crime Units searched a residential property in Caledon, where police found approximately 666 grams of opium, 184 grams of dried opium pods and seeds, one gram of methamphetamine, and one gram of heroin.
The opium poppy, also known as papaver somniferum, is grown to supply the narcotic ingredients for many legal pharmaceutical painkillers like morphine and oxycodone, and can also be used in illicit substances.
Opium poppy seeds are legal to buy and sell in Canada, while opium poppy plants, pods are illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Police say Iqbal Bhangu, 35, of Caledon, was arrested and charged with production of a schedule I substance – opium, possession of a schedule I substance – heroin and possession of a schedule i substance – methamphetamine
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville at a later date, police say.
Police didn’t say when the raid or the arrest took place.
News of the drug bust follows multiple other raids by Caledon police, including one where drugs, weapons and $10,000 in cash were seized.
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Anyone with information about this incident can contact the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.
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