York region police say they have seized $8 million worth of marijuana and dismantled 18 grow operations linked to a company that allegedly sold the necessary equipment.
The drug investigation began in May 2006 when police received an anonymous tip that a number of marijuana grow-ops were being operated throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Investigators were given the name of a business that allegedly sold all the necessary equipment and materials required for the indoor production of marijuana.
Police allege the owners of Tropical Distribution, located near Highway 400 and Steeles Avenue West in Toronto, facilitated the grow-ops.
Drug squad officers raided the 18 grow-ops and a Newmarket home last week, then shut down the operations.
Police seized more than 8,000 marijuana plants, which has a street value of about $8 million.
Three people face dozens of charges, including production of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and theft of electricity.
Charged are:
- Van Duong Le, 41, of Newmarket
- Tu Cam Lam, 29, of Newmarket
- Dai Tho Le, 28, of Mississauga
The accused have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear in a Newmarket court again on May 1.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7066, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
