York Regional Police have charged five people following an investigation that led to the seizure of more than $3.4 million worth of illicit cannabis from locations in Markham and Toronto.
According to York Regional Police, investigators with the #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau launched Project Eclipse in May 2026 after receiving information about a suspect allegedly distributing illicit cannabis from a residence in Markham. Police believed the individual was connected to a broader network supplying illicit cannabis throughout Markham and surrounding communities.
The primary suspect was arrested on May 15. Investigators also executed a search warrant at a Markham residence, where officers allegedly located illicit cannabis, Canadian currency and a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine.
Police say the investigation led officers to identify additional suspects. On May 21, investigators executed search warrants at two more residences in Markham and a commercial unit in Toronto.
During the searches, officers seized more than 1,300 pounds of illicit cannabis and over 30 jars of cannabis oil extract. York Regional Police estimate that the seized products have a combined street value of more than $3.4 million.
Tien Chen, 59, of Markham, has been charged with two counts of possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing and one count of possession of a Schedule I substance.
He Jin Jiang, 43, Junjuang Ke, 52, Yun Qing Chen, 50, and Yongzhong Ke, 78, all of Markham, have each been charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1 866 876 5423, extension 7245. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS or through the Crime Stoppers website.
