On April 30, 2025, AGLC’s Cannabis Enforcement Unit intercepted a large quantity of cannabis headed to an address in the Dover community of Southeast Calgary. With the assistance of other AGLC investigative units and the Calgary Police Service, over 162 kilograms of cannabis, with an estimated street value of $1.5 million, was seized. Information provided as part of the investigation indicated the cannabis was meant for online sales.
Two BC residents were arrested at the Dover home and subsequently released at the conclusion of a search warrant. Charges are pending related to the Cannabis Act and the Criminal Code.
“This initial seizure underscores AGLC's firm commitment to addressing the illegal online cannabis market. We are committed to a coordinated illegal cannabis enforcement program in Alberta to uphold the integrity of the legal cannabis framework in the province.”
Dave Berry, Chief Regulatory Officer, AGLC
“Illegal cannabis sales threaten public safety, fuel organized crime and undermine law-abiding businesses across Alberta. That’s why in 2024, the government granted AGLC the authority to investigate these operations — and we are incredibly pleased with the work of their investigative unit. Their efforts are making a real difference in holding illegal sellers accountable and protecting Albertans.”
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
In 2024 the government granted AGLC the authority to investigate illegal cannabis operations. Illegal cannabis funds organized crime, reduces government revenue and unfairly disadvantages law-abiding Alberta retailers.
Licensed Alberta cannabis retailers that meet regulatory requirements are the only source of legal online cannabis sales. However, there continue to be illegal online sellers, often connected to organized crime groups, operating websites in the province.
Albertans are encouraged to make sure they are choosing safe, legal purchasing options to protect themselves from illegal products and the potential from becoming victims of other crimes (identity theft, financial information theft). Cannabis can be purchased legally from a licensed retail store or licensed online store. A listing of legal, licensed cannabis retailers in Alberta is available at: Cannabis licensee search.
Legal cannabis products must comply with rigorous safety standards for quality, advertising, packaging and labelling. Albertans can visit CannnabisSense.ca/buylegal to learn more about how to tell if you are buying legal cannabis.
How to know if it's legal cannabis:
- Look for the Canadian Universal THC symbol
- Legal cannabis packaging must have an un-tampered excise stamp
- Plain packaging – if the packaging is colourful, uses the brand name of a known food or candy products, or is visually appealing, it is not legal
Look for these identifiers to know if an online cannabis site is legal:
- Alberta address and phone number
- Information on product recalls
- Only ships in Alberta
- CannabisSense banners
- 30g limit per transaction
- 10mg THC limit per edible package
Albertans who suspect illegal cannabis production, packaging and/or trafficking are encouraged to contact AGLC’s Cannabis Enforcement Unit at 1-800-577-2522. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
In 2023-24, the Alberta government collected $210 million in cannabis tax revenue.
Multimedia
Additional information
CannabisSense.ca/buylegal
Cannabis licensee search
Media inquiries
media@aglc.ca
587-596-5351