Richmond RCMP charged six individuals following 2020 drug lab busts

Richmond RCMP Organized Crime Unit eight-month clandestine lab project results in charges against six individuals.

The investigation into the group responsible for the alleged laboratories started in March 2020. On October 28, 2020, Richmond RCMP Organized Crime Unit executed multiple search warrants at locations suspected to be clandestine labs.

Six individuals were arrested during the execution of the warrants. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada has now charged all six. Charged are:

1. Huang-Wei Anthony Hsu
2. Chanel Hsu
3. Kim World Huang
4. Yung En Grace Yang
5. Zekun Cao
6. Lui Yuan Song

Huang-Wei Anthony Hsu has been charged with 12 offences including: possessing ephedrine intending it will be used to produce a controlled substance, possessing methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, producing methamphetamine, possessing a non-restricted firearm, possessing a loaded restricted firearm, possessing a firearm knowing the serial number has been altered, and possessing a conducted energy weapon.

Chanel Hsu has been charged with three offences, including possessing ephedrine, possessing methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and producing methamphetamine.
Kim World Huang and Yung En Grace Yang have both been charged with 15 offences including: producing methamphetamine, possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possessing methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possessing ketamine for the purpose of trafficking, possessing a loaded prohibited firearm, possessing a loaded restricted firearm, possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing a non-restricted firearm, and possessing prohibited devices.

Zekun Cao has been charged with one offence of possessing ephedrine intending it will be used to produce a controlled substance.

Liu Yuan Song has been charged with one offence of possessing ephedrine intending it will be used to produce a controlled substance.

Items seized during the course of this investigation include:

• approximately 28 kg of methamphetamine
• approximately 8.5 kg of fentanyl
• approximately 2.5 kg of fentanyl/heroin mix
• approximately 1 kg MDMA
• approximately 10 kg of illicit cannabis
• approximately 58 kg of ephedrine
• 5 carbine-style rifles
• 3 pistols
• 5 sound suppressors
• 3 pill presses

In addition, the following seized items were referred to the B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office:

• Over $200,000
• 70 silver bars
• 5 vehicles
• 4 luxury watches
• 23 mobile phones

These types of investigations are extremely complex and officers spend countless hours on advancing these major crime investigations, says Inspector Michael Cohee, Officer-in-Charge of Investigative Services. This speaks to the level of commitment our officers have to our community and ensuring public safety in Richmond. I am so proud of the officers involved in this investigation adds Insp. Cohee.

Clandestine labs and the illegal manufacturing of illicit drugs pose a significant threat to public safety. The precursors and processes involved are volatile and explosive, making the property itself a fire hazard; and the chemicals and waste materials are toxic and can contaminate the environment, which can pose a serious risk to public health.

Richmond RCMP are committed to locating and dismantling any potential clandestine labs operating within our city. The public’s assistance is critical in helping identify a potential location for such operations. Some signs to watch for are:

• The occupants appear secretive, unfriendly, and are either always home or never home;
• The occupants bring in unusual items into the residences such as buckets of chemicals, pill pill presses, laboratory glassware, or an unusual amount of the same cookware (pots);
• The premises have been outfitted with expensive security measures or the occupants are paranoid about who has seen them;
• There are strong smells of chemical odours such as the sharp smell of solvents and acids;
• The garbage is unusual; such as pots or chemical containers with labels removed.

Anyone with further information about a suspected clandestine laboratory or other criminal activity is asked to contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, or if you wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at www.solvecrime.ca.