TORONTO — Parents of three children, in addition to one other man, are facing multiple drug-related offences after a house exploded in Markham last week.
The explosion occurred on the afternoon of March 16 at a house on Douglas Haig Drive in the area of Steeles Avenue and McCowan Road. It then caused a fire that engulfed the home and completely destroyed it.
Police say a 30-year-old man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and a 26-year-old woman and their three children were also taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
A York Regional police officer, who was among the first to arrive on scene, was also hospitalized for minor injuries due to smoke inhalation.
Police allege the home was being used as a drug lab where THC resin was being extracted from marijuana to produce drugs such as “shatter”.
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The parents, whose names were not released to protect the children’s identity, have been charged with three counts each of arson causing damage to property, arson with disregard for human life, trafficking cannabis and producing cannibis.
Jian Jim Lin, 27, of Markham was also charged with the same offences.
Police say the estimated damage to the home, as well as the adjacent residences, is pegged at approximately $1.5 million.
Authorities are reminding the public to notify police if they suspect drug activity in their neighbourhood.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com or text your tip to CRIMES (274637) starting with the word YORK.
VIDEO: Neighbours react to Markham fire that erupted Tuesday