Two Charged with Murder in Deadly LA County Cannabis Lab Explosion, Fire

Two men, Ted Chien and Han Quan Jiao, have been charged with murder in connection with illegal cannabis extraction operations in Los Angeles County that resulted in the deaths of five workers. Four employees died in a 2023 warehouse explosion in Irwindale used for honey oil extraction, and a fifth worker died in a 2024 fire at a South El Monte laboratory. Chien faces five counts of murder with a special circumstance allegation for multiple murders, along with felony arson and drug manufacturing charges, while Jiao faces one count of murder and similar felony charges. Prosecutors allege the defendants continued operating the illegal cannabis business despite the fatalities. The investigation, part of "Operation Sugar Diamond," resulted in six arrests and the seizure of over 27 tons of cannabis products valued at more than $100 million. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman condemned the reckless and dangerous nature of these operations, emphasizing that while cannabis is legal in California, these illicit activities are not and will be prosecuted rigorously.