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The RCMP has dismantled an illegal cannabis growing operation in Milton, Ontario, with six individuals facing multiple charges related to a sophisticated illicit cannabis network.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) dismantled a major illegal cannabis production and distribution network in Ontario, leading to the seizure of approximately 17,000 plants across three large-scale grow sites.
The investigation, which began in the summer of 2022, was referred to the RCMP by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Over the course of the investigation, the RCMP uncovered a complex operation involving unauthorized workers cultivating cannabis at the sites. The cannabis plants seized are estimated to have an annual production value of more than $16 million.
According to RCMP investigators, the illegal network not only distributed cannabis across Canada but also exported it to international markets, including the United States, Hong Kong, and planned expansions into Europe. The operation involved full-time live-in workers who lacked legal authorization to grow cannabis in Canada.
The RCMP’s investigation also revealed that the criminal network engaged in money laundering by using fraudulent identity schemes to obtain Health Canada authorizations for medicinal cannabis production. These forged documents enabled the network to secure commercial leases, expanding their illegal operations.
As a result of the investigation, six individuals face charges related to the illegal cannabis operation. The charges include unlawful cultivation and possession of cannabis for the purpose of sale, conspiracy to cultivate, sell, and export cannabis, and conspiracy to commit identity theft and use forged documents. The individuals charged are:
Shao Bo “Barry” Xie (45), of Toronto Charged with multiple counts of unlawful cultivation and possession of cannabis, conspiracy to cultivate and sell cannabis, conspiracy to export cannabis, and several charges related to identity theft and fraud.Feng Gao (42), of Toronto Charged with unlawful cultivation and possession of cannabis, conspiracy to cultivate and sell cannabis, conspiracy to export cannabis, and identity theft-related charges.Shan “Sam” Gao (34), of Toronto Charged with similar offenses as Feng Gao, including unlawful cultivation, conspiracy to cultivate and sell cannabis, and conspiracy to export cannabis.Xu Han (26), of Toronto Charged with unlawful cultivation, conspiracy to cultivate and sell cannabis, conspiracy to export cannabis, and conspiracy to impersonate for advantage.Fang Han (30), of Toronto Charged with unlawful cultivation of cannabis, conspiracy to cultivate cannabis, conspiracy to export cannabis, and possession of proceeds of crime.Zdena “Denise” Mesko (61), of Sarnia Charged with identity theft, use of forged documents, possession of proceeds of crime, and conspiracy to impersonate for advantage.
The accused have been arrested and released on an undertaking. Their first court appearance is scheduled for May 7, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto.
The RCMP’s operation was supported by several law enforcement agencies, including the Ontario Provincial Police-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (OPP-PJFCET), Peel Regional Police Service (PRPS), Toronto Police Service (TPS), the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Health Canada, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“The collaboration and teamwork between the RCMP Federal Police and our provincial and municipal law enforcement partners underscores our collective commitment to battling transnational organized crime at all levels in Ontario, Canada, and abroad,” said Inspector Nicole Noonan, Officer in Charge of Federal Policing – Transnational, Serious & Organized Crime, Toronto West Detachment.
The RCMP continues to investigate the full scope of the criminal operation and its international connections.
Law enforcement is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to illicit cannabis production. Individuals can contact local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) to report information anonymously.
”}]] The RCMP has dismantled an illegal cannabis growing operation in Milton, Ontario, with six individuals facing multiple charges related to a sophisticated illicit cannabis network. Read More
