A Long Police Hunt Ends in Major Sentencing
After nearly eight years of investigation, police in Richmond have brought down a major criminal group tied to clandestine drug labs and secured significant prison sentences — including a decade behind bars for the man identified as the leader of the operation.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said detectives from the Drugs and Organized Crime Section spent years tracking suspected drug manufacturing sites across the Richmond area. That painstaking work culminated in charges and, ultimately, convictions that have disrupted an illegal network once blamed for creating widespread risk and community harm.
Leader Gets 10 Years in Prison
At the centre of the case is Kim World Huang, who was handed a 10-year prison sentence for his role in the operation. In addition to prison time, the court imposed a lifetime ban on firearms, a forfeiture order for seized items, and a DNA order — all standard measures in complex criminal prosecutions.
Officials say the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes, particularly given the scale of drug production, the dangers posed by illicit lab sites, and the risk these operations created for neighbours and first responders.
Investigation Triggered by Fires, Hidden Labs
The RCMP initially zeroed in on the group following a spate of residential fires in Richmond between 2018 and 2020. Firefighters responding to blazes at multiple homes found makeshift labs hidden inside — prompting law enforcement to suspect something more than coincidence.
Investigators soon identified several locations being used to cook and package synthetic drugs in large quantities. These labs were hazardous environments that exposed occupants to highly toxic chemicals and posed serious risks of explosion or further fire.
Tragically, at least one individual believed to be involved in the operation died from chemical exposure at one of the sites, underscoring the inherent danger of these clandestine operations.
Co-Accused Also Receive Sentences
Four others who were part of the investigation also received sanctions:
- Liu Song and Zekun Cao each received a conditional sentence order lasting two years minus a day, along with a 10-year firearms prohibition.
- Anthony Huang Wei Hsu was sentenced to 6.5 years in custody, with similar firearms and forfeiture orders issued by the court.
These outcomes reflect differentiated roles within the organization, as well as legal determinations about culpability.
One Fugitive Still Wanted
Despite the major convictions, the investigation isn’t completely closed. RCMP confirmed that Yung Grace Wang, who was romantically linked with the leader and believed to have been involved at various stages, remains at large on an outstanding warrant. Law enforcement continues to seek public help in locating her.
RCMP Calls the Case a Win for Public Safety
Richmond RCMP leadership has praised the outcome of this investigation, saying it has stopped a rash of house fires and illegal activity that had affected neighbourhoods during the period the labs were operating.
Chief Superintendent Dave Chauhan highlighted the collaboration between local investigators, forensic teams, fire officials, and prosecutors as key to dismantling the network and bringing charges that now hold offenders accountable.
Why This Matters
Drug production labs are more than just illegal enterprises — they endanger lives. Beyond the risk of chemical exposure and fire, these facilities often become hubs of additional crime, from weapons possession to trafficking. Removing a group like this from circulation ultimately reduces risks to both residents and first responders.
Richmond residents, law enforcement officials, and community leaders alike have expressed relief that the lengthy probe has concluded with significant sentences. While one person remains wanted, the dismantling of this network is already being viewed as a major win in local crime prevention efforts.
