News release

Primary target sentenced to 10 years as RCMP dismantles Richmond drug lab

February 24, 2026 - Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP

Content

Richmond RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section has concluded a multi year investigation into a group responsible for several synthetic drug production labs in the city. Project Eprotogenist targeted a network believed to be operating large scale methamphetamine labs between 2018 and 2020, including one where a suspected cook died from chemical exposure

Between 2018 and early 2020, Richmond RCMP and Richmond Fire Rescue responded to a series of residential fires that revealed multiple clandestine drug operations. Investigators determined the labs were likely being run by an organized group based in Richmond.

From June to October 2020, investigators identified three Richmond residences functioning as large scale drug labs. On October 28, 2020, search warrants were executed with support from the E Division Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team, Integrated Forensic Identification Services, and Health Canada. Officers located an ephedrine extraction lab, a hypophosphorous method methamphetamine lab, and a crystallization and packaging site, along with significant quantities of synthetic drugs, precursor chemicals, firearms, cash, and production equipment.

On January 20, 2026, the final court matters concluded. Primary target Kim World Huang received a 10 year jail sentence, lifetime firearms prohibition, forfeiture order, for items seized and DNA order. He had been residing in one of the labs. His girlfriend Yung En Grace Yang, remains wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Secondary targets Liu Song and Zekun Cao, located in the ephedrine extraction lab, each received a two year minus a day Conditional Sentence Order and a 10 year firearms prohibition. Cao has completed his sentence. Song breached early in his CSO, and has an outstanding warrant.

Another primary target, Anthony Huang Wei Hsu, believed to be connected to additional drug labs from 2018 and 2019, received a 6.5 year jail sentence, 10 year firearms prohibition, forfeiture order for items seized and DNA order.

“Since this project, the rash of house fires and drug labs have stopped and an entire criminal group was dismantled,” says Chief Superintendent Dave Chauhan, Richmond RCMP Officer in Charge. “This investigation could not have been successful without the support of Richmond Investigative Services, the E Division Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team, Integrated Forensic Identification Services, Health Canada, and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada Crown Counsels. It reflects the dedication of Richmond Detachment members and the strong cooperation among all partners.”