Ontario police say they have eliminated a criminal network that it claims smuggled cocaine and fentanyl and guns from the US into Canada .
York Regional Police say a joint operation with a number of other Ontario police forces and Canadian and US Border Patrol has arrested 22 people on more than 400 charges. Said it was finished.
"This investigation has dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in the distribution of cocaine, fentanyl and other controlled substances," Yorkshire Police Insp. Ahmad Salhia said at a press conference Wednesday. said:
"We are responsible for the flow of illegal firearms into Canada from the United States, firearms that we believe are destined for the hands of violent gang members and violent criminals. We have identified a pipeline of criminals who are at risk.”
Police said on July 28 that police had executed warrants in Brampton, Toronto, and London, Ontario, on a 10-year-old project called Project Monarch. He said the month-long operation was over.
The investigator said he had seized 27 handguns and more than 300 rounds of ammunition.
Salhia said many of these guns have had their serial numbers "erased" or "changed." This, he called, is a common tactic to prevent police from chasing illegal firearms.
Police said he located 20 of his 27 guns in the United States, including Florida, Ohio and Michigan. Salhia said police believe seven other guns also came from the United States. It said it also seized some drugs.
Salhia said police found "large amounts" of seized fentanyl compressed into car- and butterfly-shaped tablets.
The investigation began in October 2021 and Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation into a suspected drug trafficker, police said.
In an ongoing investigation, police said they had identified suspects linked to cocaine, fentanyl and gun trafficking in London and Brampton.
From there the police formed a joint force operation including agents from York Local Police, OPP, Peel Local Police, London Police, US Department of Homeland Security and Canadian Border Services Agency.
In addition to guns and drugs, investigators said they seized C$155,242, US$9,000, and five vehicles.
This Canadian Press report was first published on August 10, 2022.
