Three people charged in Richmond for illegal marijuana work

Two men and one woman from Richmond have been charged after an investigation involving an illegal marijuana operation.

Ka Yan Chan, 39, Yung Fung, 54, and Siu-Kai Chow, 68, have each been charged for illegally possessing cannabis for distribution and selling it under the Cannabis Act, as well as illegally possessing a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) under the Control Drugs and Substances Act.

Chow was charged with an additional count of having a firearm without an authorization or license nor a registration certificate for the firearm.

Richmond RCMP’s crime unit searched an alleged marijuana brokerage in the 8000-block of Demorest Drive, near Francis Road and St. Albans Road, on May 7.

Approximately 180 kg of marijuana, 900 grams of methamphetamine and a Smith and Wesson 3913 handgun were found and seized from the building.

A marijuana brokerage can operate as a distributor for growers of both legal and illegal marijuana.

However, even though marijuana has been legalized in Canada, some marijuana operations continue to operate illegally, according to a Richmond RCMP statement.

“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 marihuana operations are complex and highly specialized but can often have a nexus to organized crime and poses a potential risk to public safety.”

While marijuana has been legalized in Canada, some marijuana operations continue to operate illegally.

Richmond RCMP is asking the public, specifically landlords, to be vigilant of potential signs of illegal marijuana operations.

This includes strange odours, covered windows and lots of people going in and out from a residence.

Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding these types of crime, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)