Calgary police busted a $3.5-million marijuana grow-op in the city’s southeast they believe is part of a bigger operation.
Members of District 8 Special Duties Team raided homes in the 0-100 block of Copperfield Common SE and the 0-100 block of Somerglen Close SE simultaneously on Wednesday, according to Sgt. Steve Kelly. There were 3,000 marijuana plants seized.
“There is a loose connection (between homes in other raids) linked to Asian organized crime groups,” he said. “We find information in some of the homes which can lead us on to others.”
The homes were definitely linked to another bust on March 4 where police seized $2 million in marijuana. Police are now seeking to have all three homes and a vehicle seized under the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act.
Of concern was the fact there was a “school-aged” child living in one of the now condemned homes.
“These homes aren’t safe for anyone to be in let alone a child. There was child’s clothing and furniture found in one of the homes.”
One of the two people charged has been in Canada for over 15 years while the other was applying for Canadian citizenship, according to Kelly.
Kui Wai Yip, 47, Kui Lun Yip, 50, and Shaoyan Tan, 41, are each charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose, production for the purpose, theft of electricity and theft under.
