$7.5M in drugs seized as part of Project North Star, search ongoing for Markham suspect
York Regional Police have charged 23 people, while one additional suspect remains wanted, following an investigation into a criminal group involved in the production, trafficking, and exportation of illicit cannabis.
Project North Star was led by the York Regional Police Complex Investigation Unit, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team, the Canada Border Services Agency and the London Police Service.
Investigators allege the group sourced illicit cannabis from locations across Ontario, including a large-scale illicit cannabis grow operation in the City of London.
The investigation ran from February to September 2026. Investigators determined the cannabis was produced outside Ontario’s cannabis regulation before being distributed through the underground market, including through an online illicit dispensary.
Investigators also determined members of the group allegedly exported cannabis throughout North America and parts of Europe using commercial parcel delivery services.
Search warrants were executed from July through September 2026, at locations in Markham, Scarborough, Vaughan, Burlington, Milton, London, and the rural village of Ailsa Craig, Ontario.
The searches resulted in the seizure of: Over 1,550 lbs. of Cannabis, over 8.5 lbs. of Hashish, over 4.4 lbs. of Cannabis Derivatives, a small quantity of Ketamine and Cocaine, and various quantities of infused edibles. The searches also led to the seizure of other items related to the crimes, including: Two firearms, high-capacity magazines, two Ford pickup trucks (one re-vinned), and over $250,000 in Canadian Currency.
As a result of the project, investigators shut down the illicit cannabis dispensary and dismantled the illicit grow operation in London. The cannabis seized from the London grow operation was estimated to have a value of approximately $4.8 million alone.
Zongyu ZHU, 26, of Markham, is wanted for conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
and possession for the purpose of distributing.
Police are releasing his image and are appealing to the public for any information about his whereabouts.
He is encouraged to seek legal advice and turn himself in to police. Investigators remind the public that anyone who knowingly assists a person in evading police may be subject to criminal charges.
A list of the 23 charged, including six from Markham, is available here. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423.
Photo: Cannabis plants seized by the YRP. (YRP photo)