Ontario Provincial Police have laid charges against five men from the Greater Toronto Area following a significant illegal cannabis operation bust in Brighton that netted approximately $1.6 million in illicit products.
The Brighton Cannabis Operation
According to police reports, officers executed a search warrant at a property on Boes Road in Brighton on October 27, 2025. The location, situated midway between Toronto and Kingston, contained a greenhouse area where investigators discovered cannabis plants in various growth stages.
The OPP confirmed the seizure included 580 illicit cannabis plants and approximately 1,100 pounds of dried illicit cannabis bud. Law enforcement authorities estimated the combined street value of the confiscated products at over $1.6 million.
Charges and Accused Individuals
Five men now face charges under the Cannabis Act following the extensive investigation. The accused include:
- Junjiang Ke, 51, of Markham
- Nenmei Chen, 62, of Markham
- Yongzhong Ke, 77, of Markham
- Minghua Xue, 63, of Toronto
- Qiao Quan Chen, 38, of Scarborough
Each defendant faces two criminal charges: unlawfully cultivating, propagating or harvesting a cannabis plant and possession for the purpose of distribution.
Police Operation and Court Proceedings
The OPP's Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) led the operation with support from multiple specialized units. Assistance came from the OPP Emergency Response Team, members of the Northumberland and Peterborough OPP Detachments, and Northumberland and Peterborough Community Street Crime Units.
All five accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to make their first appearance before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on December 17, 2025.
The PJFCET represents a collaborative effort between multiple police services, including the Niagara Regional Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, London Police Service and Windsor Police Service. The team focuses specifically on investigating illegal cannabis activities and apprehending individuals involved in production, distribution, and sales outside legal parameters.
Police are encouraging anyone with information about illegal cannabis operations to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
