$150M of weed, 3 kangaroos, 2 zebras seized at illegal grow-op near Toronto

York Regional Police officers have seized approximately $150 million dollars worth of illegal weed, as well as weapons and exotic animals, including three kangaroos and two zebras.

Dubbed Project Green Sweep, the investigation took place during the summer months of 2020, and has resulted in dozes of charges according to YRP.

Officers executed 15 search warrants at several indoor and outdoor marijuana grow operations in Markham, King, Stouffville, and East Gwillimbury. They seized 28,964 plants and 3,990 pounds of harvested marijuana, which they say has a total street value of approximately $150 million dollars. Project Green Sweep has led to 37 arrests and 67 charges.

PROJECT GREEN SWEEP – More than $150 million of illicit cannabis has been seized in York Region. Organized crime continue to exploit the outdated medical licensing system to grow their profits, resulting in violence and funding other criminal activity. https://t.co/K9RpQYvu5q pic.twitter.com/1nxZlV91F9

— York Regional Police (@YRP) October 29, 2020

Police allege that the weed was destined to be sold in the criminal market.

“The illegal production of illicit cannabis is a growing problem in York Region and our citizens regularly call to report these large-scale indoor and outdoor grow operations,” said Chief of Police Jim MacSween in a release. “Organized crime continues to exploit an outdated Health Canada medical licensing system, which is generating tremendous profit that we know is resulting in violence and funding other criminal activity in our community.”

In addition to the thousands of pounds of weed, officers also seized seven firearms, two crossbows, a conducted energy weapon, and several exotic animals. Animal control was notified and is investigating, police say.

The investigation remains ongoing.