NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Toronto Police Service and the Waterloo Regional Police Service, has dismantled a sophisticated, multi-faceted drug trafficking network operating throughout southern Ontario. Following the execution of multiple search warrants, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine. Twenty-two people have been arrested and charged.
In February 2020, officers began an investigation into a suspect previously identified during a 2019 investigation dubbed Project Discard. The ensuing investigation, dubbed Project Cache, probed a network of drug traffickers alleged to be involved in the distribution and/or production of methamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine.
The York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit worked in collaboration with the OPP Methamphetamine Task Force. The OPP conducted a parallel investigation, dubbed Project Crawthorne, which focused on a sophisticated network alleged to be producing and distributing methamphetamine.
On Monday, May 11, 2020, York Regional Police executed 18 search warrants extending from the Greater Toronto Area to Hamilton and Waterloo. Officers seized approximately $3.4 million in drugs including 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately 580 pounds of illegal cannabis, a large quantity of cocaine and approximately $450,000 in cash.
An illegal cannabis grow-operation operating out of Innisfil was identified and dismantled. An illegal cannabis dispensary operating out of Kitchener was also identified and dismantled.
Twenty-two people were arrested and face more than 90 charges. The full list can be found here.
York Regional Police continues to investigate clandestine drug laboratories and combat the organized crime groups who run them. The dangers posed by chemicals used in the production of synthetic drugs include fire, explosion, pollution, short and long term health effects, contamination of homes, as well as the hazardous exposure to children, neighbours, law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel. If you notice suspicious activity, strange equipment like glassware or chemical drums or garbage that smells of chemicals or appears to be dangerous, contact police immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com
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