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Police seize over $5M in illegal cannabis from grow-op in Wainfleet (4 photos)

Two people face charges as a result

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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NIAGARA – On Thursday June 17, 2021, members of the Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with Niagara Regional Police Service, executed a search warrant at a Health Canada licenced cannabis grow operation in Wainfleet, Ont. where infractions to the Cannabis Act were believed to be taking place.

As a result of the warrant being executed police seized 1294 cannabis plants worth approximately $1,294,000, and 3852 pounds of processed cannabis worth approximately $3,852,000. In addition, a large sum of Canadian currency was seized from a safe in the residence.

Two adults were each charged with one count each of:

  • Harvesting cannabis without authorization, contrary to the Cannabis Act 12(6)(a),
  • Possession of Cannabis for the purpose of distributing, Contrary to the Cannabis Act 9(2),
  • Possession of Cannabis for the purpose of selling, contrary to the Cannabis Act 10(2) and,
  • Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000.

The accused's were released and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date. 

  • Zhang, Wesong - 31 years-of-age, Markham, Ont.   
  • Chen, Hui Yun - 37 years-of-age, Markham, Ont.     

The OPP is continuing to lead an enforcement strategy which includes other Ontario police services. This strategy will reflect actionable intelligence on illegal cannabis operations.

The focus of the strategy is to dismantle organized crime groups, eliminate the illegal cannabis supply, remove illegal cannabis enterprises such as store fronts and online, and target the proceeds of crime and assets.

Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.

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