RCMP raids on 13 cannabis dispensaries across southwestern Nova Scotia have led to 21 arrests and the confiscation of over $1.2 million worth of illegal products.
While police say they were targeting organized crime, the Mi’kmaq Rights Association argues the raids violate Indigenous treaty rights.
RCMP respond to raids
Superintendent Jason Popik, who led the operation, says the focus was illegal dispensaries operating outside of provincial regulations. “Our objective was to dismantle illicit drug markets, which we found were tied to organized crime,” he said.
The RCMP investigation, known as Project Highfield, began in October and culminated in searches between February 4 and 13.
Officers seized large amounts of dried cannabis, edibles, concentrated THC products, and psilocybin. They also confiscated 17 firearms and illegal cigarettes.
Guns seized by the RCMP as part of Operation Highfield. Photo: RCMP.
Popik stated some groups are using Indigenous communities as a front for criminal activity. “The revenue from these dispensaries isn’t going into Indigenous communities—it’s funding organized crime,” he said.
He also dismissed the argument that cannabis sales are protected under treaty rights, saying, “The Peace and Friendship Treaties were signed in the 1700s—cannabis wasn’t even conceptualized then.”
RCMP say enforcement will continue, and additional arrests are expected.
Mi’kmaq Leaders Condemn the Raids, Plan Protests
The Mi’kmaq Rights Association strongly opposes the raids, arguing that Mi’kmaq-owned dispensaries, known as truckhouses, are protected under the Peace and Friendship Treaties. The group claims that the police actions amount to theft and an attack on Indigenous sovereignty.
“The RCMP stole our businesses, our property, and even our homes,” said Roger Toney, a business owner whose dispensary was raided. The group also alleges police misconduct, including excessive force, destruction of cultural items, and mistreatment of children.
The association argues that its dispensaries operate legally under Section 35 of the Constitution, which affirms Indigenous treaty rights. They also reject claims of organized crime involvement. “These businesses were bringing economic advancement to our communities, not criminal activity,” the association said.
In response to the raids, the Mi’kmaq Rights Association has announced a series of protests and events:
- March 10, 2025: Protest and information picket at the intersection of Wyse Road and Nantucket Avenue at noon.
- June 21, 2025: A 111-kilometer March for Justice from Annapolis Valley First Nation to RCMP headquarters in Dartmouth, led by a 15-year-old Mi’kmaw boy involved in one of the raids.
- September 31, 2025: A regional and online organizing meeting ahead of Treaty Day events in Halifax.
The group says these actions are meant to hold police accountable and push for recognition of their right to sell cannabis under treaty protections.
Government Stands by RCMP, But Talks Are Ongoing
Justice Minister Becky Druhan says the province supports RCMP enforcement, citing public health and safety. “Unregulated cannabis poses serious risks,” she said. “Nova Scotians deserve safe and healthy communities.”
However, she also acknowledged Indigenous concerns, saying the Office of Indigenous Affairs is working with Mi’kmaq leadership to find a path for legal cannabis sales within communities.
Despite these discussions, Mi’kmaq leaders say government engagement has been lacking. “They ignore us until they want to crack down on us,” said one member at a recent emergency meeting of the Micmac Rights Association.
The Mi’kmaq Rights Association did not respond to a request for an interview.
With further legal challenges likely and protests planned, the dispute over Indigenous cannabis sales in Nova Scotia is far from over.
