A dozen people face more than 50 charges following a joint police investigation called Project Derailleur.
The investigation started late last year in Aylmer and quickly grew to involve the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), specifically the Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU). Other partners included police services from London, Strathroy, and St. Thomas.
Police believe that Outlaw Motorcycle Groups (OMGs) are migrating from larger cities to smaller cities and towns in Ontario. OPP Deputy Inspector Scott Wade called the move "expansion without expansion" at a news conference on Wednesday.
"What we're finding is that, if there's an area that has a void, street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, traditional organized crime is quick to move into those voids. So, that's what we're finding with this migration. There's areas of the province that aren't presently dominated or we don't see a strong OMG presence, they'll make an effort to move in there," Wade said.
Strathroy-Caradoc Deputy Chief Brent Cushman noted that there has been a significant increase in motorcycle gang activity in Strathroy over the last three to four years.
Aylmer Deputy Chief Kyle Johnstone attributed the beginning of this particular investigation to community policing. He said information from local business owners and community members is what led to the police focusing on motorcycle clubs.
On June 27, 2023, police executed 11 search warrants at eight different locations, including the Outlaws Motorcycle Club Clubhouse and residences in Aylmer, St. Thomas, and Strathroy.
Police seized an estimated $33,000 worth of weapons and drugs, including cocaine and opioids, and $11,000 in cash.
A rifle, two sniper rifles, a handgun, and a number of other weapons and devices including brass knuckles, over capacity magazines and a silencer were also found.
Two members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, one probationary member of the Outlaws, one member of the Filthy Fifteen Motorcycle Club, and eight associates were charged in the operation.
Among the accused, two come from Strathroy-Caradoc, two from Mount Brydges, four from Aylmer, two from St. Thomas, one from Wardsville, and one from Fergus.
All the police services involved agreed that collaboration was key for the success of the operation.
"We would like for all those involved in organized crime and drug trafficking to know that if you are bringing these commodities to our communities, we will investigate, we will find you, and we will prosecute you." Deputy Chief Cushman added.
The investigation is ongoing.