An extensive investigation into a manufacturing operation on the Six Nations of the Grand River territory has led to the arrest of eight individuals on various charges, including trafficking and unlawful manufacturing of contraband tobacco. The project, initiated by Ontario Provincial Police's organized crime enforcement bureau in February 2025, aimed to uncover a non-Indigenous criminal network that was allegedly producing contraband tobacco without benefiting the local community.In May 2025, authorities seized over 25,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco and 1,360 pounds of illegal cannabis, highlighting the scale of the operation. The investigation, termed Project Panda, indicated that the profits from this manufacturing operation were not reinvested in the Six Nations community, raising concerns about the impact of such activities on local residents.Following further investigations between January 20 and January 26, 2026, the eight accused faced a total of 48 charges under various laws including the Criminal Code and the Cannabis Act. This operation underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces regarding illegal tobacco and cannabis manufacturing within Indigenous territories and the necessity for collaborative efforts between provincial and local authorities.