(KINGSVILLE, ON) – On August 17, 2016 at approximately 9:30 a.m. members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Essex County Street Crime Unit (SCU), Forensic Identification Unit (FIU) and Essex County OPP uniformed patrol officers executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant in the 1500 block of Essex County Road 34, Kingsville, Ontario.
Approximately 1700 mature marihuana plants were seized, having a street value of approximately 1.7 million dollars.
Yan Qing ZHAO (M), age 53 of Toronto, Ontario and Ming ZHENG (M), age 34 of Richmond Hill, Ontario have each been charged with Possession of a Schedule 2 substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Over 3 Kilograms and Produce a Schedule 2 Substance (Cannabis Marihuana), contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Ontario.
Both accused appeared in a Windsor Court for a bail hearing on August 18, 2016.
The OPP encourage the public to contact police if they suspect or witness illicit drug activity in their neighbourhoods.
“Today’s significant seizure of marihuana plants within a green house complex in Ruthven and subsequent arrest of two individuals from the Greater Toronto Region help to underscore the efforts of law enforcement in identifying these illegal operations. Members of the OPP Essex County Street Crimes Unit and OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Drug Enforcement Unit, work collaboratively together in investigating these unlicensed criminal grow operations throughout Essex County and beyond. We remain committed through our efforts and the strong support of citizens, in identifying and investigating these illegal entities”
Inspector Glenn Miller
OPP Essex County Detachment Commander
