A joint effort in a recent drug bust, involving the Sarnia Police Service's Vice Unit, is shedding light on an increase in large-scale drug networks profiting in southwestern Ontario.
During a media briefing Friday morning, police specified details of a three-month-long investigation, referred to as "project oasis," which resulted in the seizure of $3.19 million worth of drugs.
Det. Sgt. Mike Howell of the Vice Unit said the investigation began in 2022 when officers were made aware of a London man who was allegedly trafficking fentanyl in Sarnia and other parts of southwestern Ontario.
The investigation led to a search of two London residences on January 26, which resulted in the seizure of several drugs, weapons, cash, and five cell phones. A full list of items seized can be found below.
Among the drugs found, police seized 15 kilograms of fentanyl.
Items seized during a "massive" drug bust. February 17, 2023. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
To give context, Howell said members of the Vice Unit have never seized over one kg of a schedule one substance (such as cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl) before this.
"When it comes to the fentanyl, you're looking at approximately 7.5 million potential lethal doses of fentanyl. This is an incredible seizure. It's incredibly significant," said Howell.
Among the weapons seized was a Ruger 5.7 handgun, capable of firing high-velocity ammunition that can penetrate through level three body armor.
Two people from London, 23-year-old Taymoor Pasha and 28-year-old Justin Taillefer, were arrested and each face numerous charges related to drug trafficking and possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon. Pasha also faces charges of failure to comply with undertaking.
It's alleged the accused were part of a "massive, large-scale drug network." Howell said the presence of gangs and networks in Sarnia has been growing.
"They're bringing with them large quantities of drugs, they're flooding our city for short periods of time and then they're departing quickly," said Howell.
"We've seen somewhat of a vacuum over the last few years and we've seen these large street gangs or networks come in. The type of individual that has access to this type of product at any time is a significant part of a drug network. You do not obtain 20 or 15 kg of fentanyl just by asking around on the street, you have to have connections."
The matter involving the two accused is currently before the courts. Moving forward, Howell said police will go through the cellphones seized.
The investigation involved members of several police forces, including the Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team, comprised of members of the OPP, London Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Brantford Police Service, Windsor Police Service, and RCMP.
"We have to work together because the problem is so large and has so many aspects to it... gang-related firearms, and trying to track down the networks of where people are operating, we have to collaborate with each other in order to make that happen," said Det. Insp. Leo Murphy, commander of the Investigative Services Division.
Det. Insp. Leo Murphy. February 17, 2023. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Items seized include:
- 15.03 kg fentanyl
- 3.42 kg cocaine
- 1.43 kg MDMA
- 544 codeine pills
- 51 MDMA pills
- 373 hydromorphone pills
- 83 morphine pills
- 280 percocet pills
- 175 lorazepam pills
- 123 alprazolam pills
- 320 clonazepam pills
- 650 methylphenidate pills
- over 600 oxycodone pills
- Rugar 5.7 handgun
- BB replica handgun
- two 30-round extended magazines
- various other ammunition (some prohibited)
- approximately $3,000 cash
- five cell phones