Police make $ 3.2- million pot bust on Cataract Road

Almost $ 3.2 million worth of pot has been seized by Niagara police who executed search warrants at two properties on Cataract Road.

Niagara Regional Police said in a media release that the guns, gangs and grows unit has been investigating a marijuana- growing operation in Thorold for several months.

With the assistance of the morality unity, the opioid unit and Welland uniform officers, the NRP executed two search warrants at the two properties at 5 p. m. on Monday, said the release.

During the execution of the warrant, six people were taken into custody without incident, police said.

But after further investigation, police charged one person.

As a result of the search, police seized 2,683 marijuana plants, 287.5 pounds ( 129.3 kilograms) of processed marijuana, and $ 1,500 in cash.

The value of the drugs seized was just under $ 3.2 million, police said.

Charged with unlawful production of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime is 64- year- old Jui Kang Liang, 64. Liang was later released from custody on an officer in charge undertaking.

Police are reminding members of the public that marijuana is not legal and the only way people can grow it is if they possess a licence to produce issued by Health Canada. People are encouraged to contact police if they believe someone is growing marijuana illegally.