Pubdate: Thu, 01 Apr 2004
Source: Markham Economist & Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004, Metroland Printing
Contact:  http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/newscentre/markhameconomistandsun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2360
Author: Simone Joseph

MARKHAM MEN CHARGED IN GIANT DRUG BUST

Two York Region men were charged yesterday as part of the dismantling of a 
North America-wide drug network.

Tse Wei Kuen, 50, was charged with conspiracy to traffic a drug and Jeffrey 
Fung, 33, was charged with producing drugs and conspiracy to produce and 
traffic a drug. Both are from Markham.

Police believe a network was responsible for the production of ecstasy and 
marijuana in Canada, distribution of these drugs in the United States and 
laundering of illicit funds back to Canada and Vietnam.

Early yesterday morning, police across the continent conducted a series of 
co-ordinated arrests and searches.

Throughout the investigation, which dates back to 2001, other arrests and 
seizures were made.

In the Toronto area, three ecstasy labs in residential areas were 
dismantled in the summer of 2003 and police seized 377,000 pills and 120 kg 
of ecstasy powder worth more than $33 million. Equipment capable of 
producing more than 250,000 pills worth $6 million each day was also seized.

At the same time, two marijuana grow operations were dismantled in Toronto 
neighbourhoods and another $500,000 in drugs seized.

The man police accuse of running the network, Ze Wai Wong, 46, faces drug 
charges. Mr. Wong, who has no status in Canada, faces immigration 
proceedings in addition to charges.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart