Capture

Members of the Hamilton Police Service Central HEAT Unit have seized significant quantities of illicit drugs, prescription medications, Canadian currency and prohibited weapons following a month-long investigation into drug trafficking in central Hamilton.

On September 17, 2026, officers executed two search warrants at residences in central Hamilton as part of an investigation involving Zijie ZHOU.

As a result of searches, officers seized the following:

• 1.4 kilograms of fentanyl
• 900 grams of methamphetamine
• 200 grams of cocaine
• More than 35,000 prescription pills, including oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine and benzodiazepines
• Canadian currency
• Two prohibited weapons

The illicit drugs seized are estimated to have a street value of approximately $250,000. The prescription medications are estimated to have a street value of approximately $600,000.

Investigators believe that a significant quantity of the prescription medications were initially obtained through legitimate prescriptions before being diverted into the illegal drug trade for non-medical purposes.

As a result of the investigation, Zijie ZHOU has been charged with numerous offences, including, but not limited to:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — Fentanyl, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — Cocaine, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Possession of Prohibited Weapon x2

ZHOU remains in custody. Anyone with information is asked to contact the on-duty Division 10 Staff Sergeant at 905-546-4725. To submit information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit crimestoppershamilton.com