A large illegal cannabis operation in Haldimand County has been shut down after police seized more than $4.6 million worth of cannabis.
The Ontario Provincial Police say the investigation targeted a property on Highway 54 after information surfaced during an earlier investigation.
Police executed a search warrant on September 22 with help from several OPP units and the Haldimand County Fire Department.
Investigators seized approximately 9,110 cannabis plants valued at $4.5 million, along with cannabis shake, resin and dried cannabis. The additional products were valued at roughly $96,000.
Two people were arrested at the property, while police say a third person fled and remains outstanding.
Sy Hung Phan, 45, of North York, and Xianli Lin, 44, of Maple, have each been charged with cultivating cannabis at a location that is not their home and possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling.
“Profits from illegal cannabis production are often used to fund other criminal activity and can pose significant risks to public safety, including fire and electrical hazards,” OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart said.
Those concerns were found at the Highway 54 property, where police reported significant fire, electrical and property safety issues.
The residence was ordered closed to occupancy and its hydro service was disconnected.
Both accused are scheduled to appear in a Cayuga courtroom in December. The investigation remains ongoing.
