York police say they seized more than 160 kilograms of illegal cannabis during a routine traffic stop in Markham on Tuesday.

The drugs were recovered after an officer stopped a white van on Hwy. 407 in the area of Ninth Line shortly after 4 a.m., according a Wednesday news release.

The officer noticed several duffel bags throughout the van while speaking with the driver and passenger, police said. The bags were later found to contain the large quantity of cannabis, and the driver and passenger were arrested.

The total value of the street drugs is more than $1.6 million, police said.

“This seizure is an excellent example of our dedicated front line patrol officers who constantly work to keep our communities safe,” Chief Eric Joliffe said in the release. “This illegally produced cannabis was likely destined to supply the black market demand that has been created since legalization, which in turn is fueling organized crime.”

Alan Dang, 32, of Montreal, and Boxuan Gu, 36, of Westmout, Que., have been charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution.

Emma Sandri is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @emmarosesandri

Read more about: