(SIMCOE, ON) - A Cannabis Act (CA) investigation in Haldimand County has resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of illegal cannabis valued at more than $55 million.

The OPP-led Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit was engaged in the investigation and seized several assets that were deemed to be offence-related property, including grow lights, machinery and other cannabis processing equipment.

As a result of the investigation, the following 16 individuals were each charged with cultivating cannabis without authorization and possession for the purpose of distribution contrary the CA, for a combined total of 32 offences:

• Trong Nam NGUYEN, age 24 of no fixed address
• Trong Thoi NGUYEN, age 38 of no fixed address
• Minh Son HOANG, age 56 of no fixed address
• Thi Sinh LUU, age 48 of no fixed address
• Minh Chau NGUYEN, age 50 of no fixed address
• Thi Nguyet BACH, age 46 of no fixed address
• Thi Thoan NGUGEH, age 46 of no fixed address
• Dung LEVAN, age 54 of no fixed address
• Thi Coung TRINH, age 52 of North York
• Hong Lam NGUYEN, age 48 of no fixed address
• Chang Sen LIN, age 55 of no fixed address
• Thi Tinh CU, age 58 of no fixed address
• Kelly BLAIR, age 56 of Brantford
• Zhenyang YU, age 41 of Markham
• Hai Ning XU, age 40 of no fixed address
• Hai Yon XU, age 40 of no fixed address

The accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on a later date.

The investigation is ongoing.