$150M in illegal cannabis seized, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury men among 37 arrested (VIDEO)

$150M in illegal cannabis seized, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury men among 37 arrested (VIDEO)

15 cannabis grow ops were searched across the region, including in Markham, King, Stouffville and East Gwillimbury, resulting in the seizure of 28,964 plants, 3,990 pounds of harvested cannabis, weapons

York Regional Police have arrested residents from across York Region, including Newmarket and East Gwillimbury, in its Project Green Sweep investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately $150 million in illegal cannabis.

Project Green Sweep began in July and ultimately led to 37 people being charged.

Fifteen indoor and outdoor cannabis grow operations were targeted across the region, including in Markham, King, Stouffville and East Gwillimbury, resulting in 37 arrests and 67 charges.

Officers seized 28,964 plants and 3,990 pounds of harvested cannabis, as well as seven firearms, two crossbows and a conducted energy weapon. At one location in Schomberg, several exotic animals, including three kangaroos and two zebras, were located. Animal control was notified and is investigating.

Investigators believe that organized crime continues to exploit the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation, according to a York Regional Police news release.

"The regulation allows some designated growers to grow hundreds of plants and store hundreds of pounds of harvested cannabis for personal use. Licensed growers can pool up to four grow licenses per address and turn a single production site into a cannabis farm," police said. "York Regional Police is alleging all the cannabis grown and harvested at the identified locations was destined to be sold in the criminal market."

According to police, organized crime networks are capitalizing and exploiting the loopholes in the current legislation to embed themselves in this business.

"Proceeds derived from the illicit cannabis trade often fund other facets of these crime groups, including the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms," police stated.“The illegal production of illicit cannabis is a growing problem in York Region and our citizens regularly call to report these large-scale indoor and outdoor grow operations,” said Chief of Police Jim MacSween. “Organized crime continues to exploit an outdated Health Canada medical licensing system, which is generating tremendous profit that we know is resulting in violence and funding other criminal activity in our community.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Police encourage the community to contact them in connection with cannabis that may be grown illegally. "We will investigate all tips received," police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

Among those arrested were Blair Ramsewak, 33, Town of East Gwillimbury; James Oddi, 44, Town of East Gwillimbury; Jan Hogenkamp, 73, Town of East Gwillimbury; Danny Lanigan, 58, Town of East Gwillimbury; Jian Wu, 58, Town of East Gwillimbury; Qi Huang, 31, Town of East Gwillimbury; and Qi Li, 52, Town of East Gwillimbury who will face charges of:

Cultivation for distribution
Possession for distribution
Unauthorized possession of a weapon x2
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Careless storage of a firearm

Also arrested were Elaine Chow, 21, City of Markham; Louie Chow, 58, City of Markham; Chi Diep, 41, City of Markham; and Nguyet Trinh, 58, City of Markham who will face charges of: