London, Ont. explosives investigation leads to search warrants in Gatineau, Ottawa

Four people charged following an explosives investigation appeared to be developing a drone defence system. CTV’s Katelyn Wilson reports.

A Gatineau woman says she locked her door and stayed inside as tactical officers flooded her street during a police search warrant connected to an ongoing investigation in Ontario.

“My husband heard them say loudly on the microphone they had a search warrant,” said Coral Spence. “I was afraid to go out because there were so many guns, I was afraid to go out you didn’t know if shooting was going to happen or something.”

Police executed the warrant last Thursday at a home in Gatineau as part of an investigation that began hundreds of kilometres away in London, Ont.

Investigators say four current or former Western University students are facing weapons-related charges and unlawful possession of explosives, including 27-year-old Jerry Tong, from Ottawa and 26-year-old Zekun Wang, 25-year-old Fei (Frank) Han, 21-year-old Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, all from London.

“At this point in the investigation this is not a terrorism investigation, this is not a national security investigation,” said London’s deputy police chief Paul Bastien. “We don’t know what the ultimate goal might have been or might be.”

According to police, the investigation started nearly two weeks ago after officers responded to a trespassing incident at Western University and located a loaded handgun.

A subsequent search of a nearby London residence uncovered hazardous chemicals capable of producing explosives.

That discovery led investigators to execute additional search warrants in Gatineau and at a residence in Orléans.

“It led to the further location of firearms and explosives or evidence of explosive manufacturing so as a result it furthered evidence in that investigation,” said Det. Supt. Sean Travis with the London police.

Police say they are also aware of an October YouTube video, posted as part of a startup pitch, in which three of the accused discuss developing a military system intended to prevent drone attacks.

Investigators say it is too early to determine whether the video is connected to the charges.

“We have to track down any assertions that are made by the people in it and assess to what extent if any it relates to what we have evidence of,” said Bastien.

All four accused remain in custody, with court hearings scheduled in the coming days.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App