Thursday, March 28, 2024

Timer

Police bust massive illegal grow-op in St. Catharines

First Published:

Eleven people have been arrested in a bust of a massive illegal marijuana grow-op in St. Catharines.

Niagara Regional Police say the investigation began because of complaints from the public.

Officers executed a search warrant at a building in the area of Third St. Louth and Main St. Tuesday morning.

Inside they found a “well-organized and large scale” cannabis growing operation with over 17,000 plants in various stages of growth.

Police estimate the value of the plants at $34 million.

This is the largest marijuana grow-op investigated by Niagara Police.

The 11 people found inside have been arrested and charged with unauthorized production of cannabis contrary to the Federal Cannabis Act.

Charged are:

  • Yongqi Liu, 51, of Scarborough
  • Lin Feng Shi, 41, of Markham
  • Jin Chin Jian, 35, of Markham
  • Xiao Ping Yang, 51, of Scarborough
  • Junso Dong, 48, of Scarborough
  • Jinying Xue, 52, of Scarborough
  • Libo Qian, 54, of Toronto
  • Qiaoguo Yang, 50, of Scarborough
  • Zengshou Liu, 63, of St. Catharines
  • Yingqiu Lin, 68, Of New York, USA

Police say there is one more person who has yet to be identified. 

More Top News

Ontario minimum wage to increase Oct. 1 to $17.20 an hour

Ontario's minimum wage will rise later this year to $17.20 an hour. The annual Oct. 1 increase is tied to inflation and is a boost...

Over 300K public sector workers earn more than $100K; OPG CEO tops the list

The five top paid public employees in the province are all at Ontario Power Generation, with the CEO earning $1.9 million last year. The so-called...

Halton police arrest man in connection to break-ins in Georgetown

Halton police say they've arrested a man in connection to two separate break-ins that occurred in Georgetown. On March 25, officers were called out to...

31-year-old Niagara man facing weapon charges following arrest with BB gun

A Niagara man is facing several charges after he was found to be conceal-carrying a loaded pellet gun during his arrest. Authorities say they were...

Parents outraged by changes to Niagara’s school bus transportation policy

Changes to the Niagara Region's school bus transportation policy has left many parents outraged. Starting Sept. 3, the walk distance for secondary students will be...

1 person in critical condition after house fire in Hamilton’s east end

One person has been hospitalized in critical condition after they were found without vital signs in a burning home in Hamilton’s east end Thursday...