York police dismantle cannabis operation, seize $3.4M
Project Eclipse led to arrests of five Markham residents and the seizure of over 1,300 pounds of illegal cannabis and cannabis oil.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
York Regional Police have dismantled what they say was a significant drug-selling operation spanning Markham and surrounding areas, announcing the seizure of $3.4 million worth of illegal cannabis and cannabis oil.
Project Eclipse began in May 2026 when investigators focused on a suspect believed to be selling cannabis out of a Markham home. That suspect was arrested on May 15, and a search warrant at the residence yielded cannabis, a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine, and Canadian currency.
As the investigation expanded, police identified additional suspects. On May 21, officers executed search warrants at two more Markham residences and a commercial unit in Toronto, seizing more than 1,300 pounds of illicit cannabis and more than 30 jars of cannabis oil extract.
Five people face charges: Tien Chen, 59; He Jin Jiang, 43; Junjuang Ke, 52; Yung Qing Chen, 50; and Yongzhong Ke, 78 — all from Markham. All five face possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing. Tien Chen also faces a separate count of possession of a Schedule 1 substance.
The operation signals the ongoing focus on illicit drug trafficking in the GTA's surrounding regions, with the scale of seizures reflecting the scope of the network police say was operating.