York Region police laid charges when they they found a vehicle in Markham with smoke coming from under the hood — but not from engine trouble.

Police say they smelled cannabis, and when they approached the car it began to drive away, so they pulled it over. The driver said he was having engine trouble, police say, and opened the hood to show them.

When officers looked inside, they found more than 1.5 kilograms of dried cannabis stuffed inside a “burnt pillow case,” as well as various accessories including scales, vaccuum sealers, welding masks, butane canisters, fungicide and 32 grams of cannabis resin. It led to charges under the new federal Cannabis Act.

Police laid charges of possession for the purpose of distribution of cannabis, and possession related to the production or distribution. Const. Laura Nicolle said these weren’t the first cannabis charges York police have laid under the new act, but they’re among the most significant.

“Our officers will continue to ensure our community is safe and secure as we transition to this new environment,” said York Region police chief Eric Jolliffe. “Working closely with our federal, provincial, regional and municipal partners, we have identified our enforcement responsibilities and want to be sure our residents are aware of them as well.”

Diep Tat, 53, of Markham will appear in court in Newmarket on Nov. 29.

Jack Hauen is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @jackhauen

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