Western University Explosives Scandal: RCMP Investigates Students Storing Bomb-Making Chemicals

The Incident Unfolds at Western University

On January 24, 2026, at approximately 1:40 a.m., a routine trespassing call on the Western University campus in London, Ontario, escalated into a major police investigation. Campus special constables pursued and arrested a suspect, later identified as Jerry Tong, discovering a loaded handgun at the arrest scene. This discovery prompted London Police Service to search a nearby residence at 212 Chesham Place, where they uncovered hazardous chemicals capable of producing explosives. Three additional individuals—Zekun Wang, Fei (Frank) Han, and Feiyang (Astrid) Ji—were arrested at the scene. All four have strong ties to Western University, raising serious questions about campus security and laboratory access in Canadian higher education institutions.

The rapid progression from a minor infraction to the involvement of explosives disposal units highlighted vulnerabilities in student housing adjacent to university grounds. Local residents, including long-time Chesham Avenue homeowner Chris Reade, were evacuated for five days as authorities secured the site. Police maintained a presence with specialized equipment until early February, reopening roads only after thorough assessments.

Detailed Timeline of Events

The sequence of events provides critical context for understanding the scope of the Western University explosives investigation:

• January 24, 1:40 a.m.: Foot pursuit on campus leads to Tong's arrest with a loaded handgun. Investigation links to Chesham Place residence; chemicals discovered, two more arrests.
• January 27: Four charged initially; Explosives Disposal Unit clears initial hazards.
• January 29: Tong and Wang charged with unlawful possession of explosives.
• January 30: Warrants executed in Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec, expanding probe.
• February 3: Additional charges for all four, including firearm manufacturing.

This timeline underscores the multi-jurisdictional nature of the case, involving local, provincial, and federal authorities.

Profiles of the Accused and Their University Connections

The individuals charged are deeply embedded in Western University's academic community, primarily in engineering and science programs.

• Jerry Tong, 27, Ottawa: Western engineering alumnus (2022). Post-graduation, worked as a wealth adviser before relocating. Founder of a 3D printing business via Western's Accelerator program.
• Zekun Wang, 26, London: Current graduate student (MASc Engineering Science). Researched in Multiscale Deformation Lab; NSERC award recipient for motion controls.
• Fei (Frank) Han, 25, London: MEng Mechanical Engineering alumnus (2024). Active in Western Engineering Rocketry Team (2023-24) and prior Queen's team. Specialized in electromagnetic analysis.
• Feiyang (Astrid) Ji, 21, London: Undergraduate Faculty of Science student, set to graduate 2027.

Their profiles reveal a pattern of high-achieving students engaged in advanced research, blurring lines between legitimate innovation and prohibited activities. Court sketches and virtual hearings show them remaining in custody as of early February 2026.London Police Service Update

The Anti-Drone Weapons Project at the Center

Emerging details suggest the chemicals were part of an unsanctioned anti-drone weapons system, dubbed MORSLAB. Pitch videos, verified by media outlets, depict the group mixing chemicals in flasks, testing fiery reactions, and assembling a truck-mounted device using infrared sensors and microwave bursts to neutralize drones. Filmed in Western's Claudette MacKay-Lassonde Pavilion lab, the project targeted military needs amid Ukraine conflict drones, aiming for operational status by August 2026 with funding from defense programs.

Tong narrated capabilities, emphasizing low-cost detection of weaponized micro-drones. This initiative, while innovative, bypassed university oversight, leading to charges for manufacturing prohibited devices and possessing high explosives precursors. It highlights tensions between student entrepreneurship and regulated research in Canadian universities.

CBC News on Suspects

Western University's Response and Student Support

Western University deferred public comments to police, prioritizing discretion. Practical support included temporary hotel stays at Spencer Hotel & Conference Centre for two evacuated fourth-year students. Four engineering buildings closed briefly on arrest day but reopened same evening. No confirmation of the accused's status, though directory listings verified affiliations.

The administration's measured approach aligns with protocols for ongoing investigations, but it sparked discussions on transparency in higher education crises. Faculty representatives facilitated aid, demonstrating responsiveness to immediate needs.

Campus Community Reactions and Safety Concerns

Western students expressed mixed sentiments. Some felt uninformed about the nearby probe, learning via social media rather than alerts. Evacuated students appreciated police thoroughness and university lodging, feeling safer post-action. A witness noted a suspect in Western engineering gear, amplifying unease.

Broader concerns include off-campus housing risks and lab access for non-sanctioned projects. Student media like Western Gazette captured resident views of quiet tenants, contrasting the scandal's gravity.

RCMP's National Security Involvement

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) joined, signaling potential terrorism prevention links despite no explicit threats. INSET disrupts national security threats, per experts. Expansion to Ottawa/Gatineau via warrants indicates wider networks. This elevates a local incident to federal scrutiny, rare for university matters.Western Gazette Report

Charges and Legal Ramifications

All face multiple firearms and explosives charges:

• Unlawful possession of explosives (precursors and finished).
• Possession/manufacturing prohibited/restricted firearms.
• Careless storage; break-and-enter.

Tong faces additional resist arrest, concealed carry. Bail hearings ongoing; all in custody. Penalties could include lengthy sentences, impacting academic futures and highlighting risks of unregulated experimentation.

Implications for Laboratory Safety in Canadian Universities

This case exposes gaps in chemical management. Universities like Western maintain inventories via tools like ChemWatch, but off-campus storage evades oversight. Protocols require Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) training, yet student-led ventures challenge enforcement.

Comparisons: ICFAR at Western researches alternative fuels safely under strict guidelines. Lessons include enhanced monitoring of student clubs like rocketry teams.

For those pursuing research jobs in higher education, understanding compliance is crucial.

Broader Challenges and Solutions for Higher Education

Canadian universities face rising innovation pressures amid defense tech demands. Solutions:

• Stricter lab access logs and project approvals.
• Mandatory ethics training for student ventures.
• Collaborations with RCMP for threat assessments.
• Off-campus housing safety audits.

Stakeholders advocate balanced support for ingenuity without compromising safety. Explore academic career advice for compliant paths.

Photo by Ali Shah Lakhani on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

As the investigation continues, Western and peers may implement audits. Students should verify project legality via faculty. Institutions can position as secure innovation hubs by prioritizing protocols.

Prospective faculty, check Rate My Professor for insights. Job seekers, browse higher ed faculty jobs safely. AcademicJobs.com supports informed careers—find university jobs, higher ed jobs, or career advice.