ON May 7, 2021, Richmond RCMP Organized Crime Unit (OCU) executed a search warrant on an alleged marijuana brokerage in the 8000-block of Demorest Drive. A marijuana brokerage can operate as a distributor for growers of both legal and illegal marijuana. While marijuana has been legalized in Canada, some marijuana operations continue to operate illegally.
Investigators located and seized various items from the residence including:
* approximately 180 kilograms (260 lbs) of marijuana
* approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine
* a Smith & Wesson 3913 handgun
As a direct result of the comprehensive investigation, charges have been approved by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada against the following two men and one woman, all from Richmond:
– Ka Yan Chan (female), 39, is charged with one count each of unlawfully possessing cannabis for purposes of distribution; unlawfully possessing cannabis for purposes of selling it; and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance (methamphetamine) for the purposes of trafficking.
– Siu-Kai Chow, 68, is charged with one count each of possession of prohibited or restricted firearm without being the holder of an authorization or a licence to possess it and a registration certificate for the firearm; unlawfully possessing cannabis for purposes of distribution; unlawfully possessing cannabis for purposes of selling it; and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance (methamphetamine) for the purposes of trafficking contrary.
– Yung Fung, 54, is charged with one count each of unlawfully possessing cannabis for purposes of distribution; unlawfully possessing cannabis for purposes of selling it; and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance (methamphetamine) for the purposes of trafficking.
“The safety and protection of our community is of paramount concern to the Richmond RCMP,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang, Media Relations Officer for Richmond RCMP. “Investigations into illegal marijuana operations are complex and highly specialized, but can often have a nexus to organized crime and poses a potential risk to public safety.”
Richmond RCMP wish to remind the public, and specifically landlords, of potential signs to watch for:
* Strange odours
* Covered windows
* Lots of individuals coming and going from the residence
Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding these types of crime, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.
