York Regional Police, November 4, 2026
York Regional Police have charged 23 people and are still seeking one suspect after investigating a criminal network involved in illegal cannabis production, trafficking and export.
Project North Star was led by the York Regional Police Integrated Investigation Unit, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team, the Canada Border Services Agency and London Police Service.
Investigators say the group obtained illegal cannabis from across Ontario, including a large illegal cannabis grow operation in London.
The investigation ran from February 2026 to September 2026. Investigators determined that the cannabis was produced outside Ontario’s cannabis regulations and then distributed through the underground market, including through an illegal online dispensary.
Investigators also determined that members of the group are alleged to have used commercial parcel delivery services to export cannabis to locations across North America and to parts of Europe.
Between July 2026 and September 2026, search warrants were executed in Markham, Scarborough, Vaughan, Burlington, Milton, London and the rural Ailsa Craig area of Ontario.
The searches resulted in the seizure of the following items:
- More than 1,550 pounds of cannabis
- More than 8.5 pounds of cannabis
- More than 4.4 pounds of cannabis derivatives
- A small quantity of ketamine and cocaine
- Various quantities of infused edibles
- Two firearms
- High-capacity magazines
- Two Ford pickup trucks, one of which had a re-registered licence plate
- More than $250,000
As a result of the project, investigators shut down an illegal cannabis dispensary in London and dismantled the illegal grow operation. The cannabis seized from the London grow site alone is estimated to be worth about US$4.8 million.
The list of people charged is attached.
Zhu Zongyu, 26, of Markham, is wanted on the following charges:
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
- Possession for the purpose of distribution
Police have released his photograph and are asking the public for any information about his whereabouts.
Police encourage him to seek legal advice and turn himself in to police. Investigators remind the public that anyone who knowingly assists a person in evading police may face criminal charges.
This investigation was made possible with funding from Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General, and the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario also supported the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7841.
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