The RCMP in Kitchener, Ontario say the discovery of thousands of cannabis plants led to the seizure of several other controlled substances and guns, along with the arrest of six individuals.
In a press release on October 5, the RCMP shared information about Project O COSMOS, which led to the execution of three search warrants in the first half of August.
Police say they first discovered 1,365 cannabis plants, which led to a broader investigation that uncovered more than 200 kg of dried cannabis, cocaine, meth, MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms, hashish, and several types of guns and ammunition.
The Kitchener RCMP worked in collaboration with the Shelburne County OPP and the Waterloo Regional Police on the operation. The warrants were executed at locations within Melanchthon Township, the City of Kitchener, and Wilmot Township.
The 1,365 cannabis plants were growing at the property in Melancthon Township. There were also 88 large bags of dried cannabis seized at the same location.
The other 3 properties also had numerous drugs and guns seized including:
- Over 200 kgs of dried marijuana,
- More than 60 kgs of psilocybin,
- 6.25 kgs of hashish,
- 72 kgs of cannabis edibles
- 4 grams of cocaine
- 914 grams of methamphetamine,
- 936 grams of MDMA
- one Glock 9mm handgun with 2 loaded magazines,
- a .22 calibre rifle
- 2 replica firearms.
Charges have been laid against the following people:
Em Kha Khuong (37) Thanh Hien Hong (40) and Tuong Nguyen (39) have been charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act X 3
- Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking SEC 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm contrary to Sec 88 of the Criminal Code
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition contrary to Sec 88 of the Criminal Code
The following people have also been charged:
Thi Ty Do (71)
- Possession for the purpose of distributing contrary to Sec 9(2) of the Cannabis Act
- Possession for the Purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the Purpose of trafficking a Schedule Ill substance – Psilocybin contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Duc Duy Hoang (45)
- Possession for the purpose of distributing contrary to Sec 9(2) of the Cannabis Act
- Possession for the Purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the Purpose of trafficking a Schedule Ill substance – Psilocybin contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
George Gobran (53)
- Possession for the purpose of distributing contrary to Sec 9(2) of the Cannabis Act
- Possession for the Purpose of trafficking a Schedule I substance contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession of a Schedule I substance, cocaine, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Khuong, Hong and Nguyen are currently being held in custody. Do is due in court at 85 Frederick St, Kitchener on October 6th, 2023. Hoang and Gobran are due in court on October 27th, 2023.
The Kitchener RCMP would like to thank the Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Shelbourne OPP for their assistance in this investigation.
“The RCMP with the assistance of Waterloo Regional Police Service and the O.P.P. again helps put a stop to the illegal activities occurring in numerous communities. We are pleased to be able to keep our communities safe by seizing both drugs and guns from another organized crime group. These results speak to the continuous efforts and commitments the RCMP and our partners bring to public safety.”
