OPP seize $4.6M in illegal cannabis after dismantling Haldimand County site

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged two suspects and seized over $4.6 million after dismantling a large-scale illegal cannabis production site in Haldimand County.

OPP began an investigation into suspected illegal activity at a property on Highway 54 after receiving information through a previous investigation.

On Sept. 22, a search warrant was executed by OPP and Haldimand County fire.

As a result of the investigation, officers seized:

• About 9,110 illegal cannabis plants valued at around $4.5 million
• 60 kg of cannabis shake valued at around $20,000
• 45 kg of cannabis resin valued at around $70,700
• 2.5 kg of dried cannabis valued at around $5,600

During the execution of the warrant, two suspects were located and arrested. A third suspect fled the property and remains outstanding.

Sy Hung Phan, 45, of North York and Xianli Lin, 44, of Maple, have both been charged with cultivating cannabis that is not their dwelling-house and possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling.

Both of the accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on Dec. 22.

Investigators uncovered significant structural, electrical and fire safety hazards at the home. As a result, the property was ordered vacated, its electricity was disconnected and Haldimand County By-law Enforcement attended the site. 

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale or production of cannabis is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. 

To remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

READ MORE: Welland man charged after police seize $100K worth of cannabis