Investigators with the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Organized Crime Bureau, working in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, have charged three people and seized approximately $37 million in illegal cannabis.
In February 2021, officers began an investigation after receiving information regarding a commercial business in Richmond Hill, that was believed to be involved in the distribution of illicit drugs.
Through the investigation, officers determined the suspects had medical cannabis licences at two locations but that the operations were entirely illegal and that the drugs were being sold in the criminal market with funds going to organized crime.
On Thursday, August 12, York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police executed multiple search warrants in several locations, including in York Region, the City of Toronto and the towns of Brighton and Norfolk.
Officers seized a significant quantity of drugs with an approximate street value of more than $37 million dollars.
The seizure included 3,189 lbs of dried cannabis, 64 kg of cannabis resin (hash) and approximately $200,000 in cash.
Police also destroyed 2,576 cannabis plants.
Jiwen “Johnny” CHEN (Age 31) of Markham was charged with the following offences:
- Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution
- Cultivate, Propagate or Harvest a Cannabis Plant that is from Seed or Plant Material that is illicit Cannabis
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime
Additionally;
- Jianning CHEN (age 56) of Markham
- Cong HOAG (age 19) of Brighton
- Nang KUAN (age 47) of Markham
- Derek LAU (age 35) of Toronto
stand charged with the following offences:
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution
- Cultivate, Propagate or Harvest a Cannabis Plant that is from Seed or Plant Material that is illicit Cannabis
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
