A years-long investigation has seen millions of dollars worth of drugs and dozens of guns taken off the streets of southwestern Ontario.
An investigation was started by the London Police Service (LPS) in 2024 after it noticed an increase in violence involving firearms.
With help from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the LPS identified multiple criminal networks allegedly capable of sourcing illegal firearms, high-capacity magazines, fentanyl, and cocaine.
On January 14, search warrants were executed on homes and vehicles in London and Toronto.
Police ended up seizing 12.5 kg of fentanyl, 4.5 kg of cocaine, 275 oxycodone pills, 460 hydromorphone pills, 75 alprazolam pills, 31 guns, an imitation firearm, 25 prohibited devices such as over-capacity magazines and auto switches, and $64,000 in cash.
The drugs are estimated to be worth over $2 million, with police suggesting there was enough fentanyl to kill 125,000 people.
The guns are suspected to have come from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio, and Virginia.
"The seizure of crime guns originating from the United States and significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine highlights the complexity of these investigations and the risks posed by organized criminal networks. The [OPP] and our partners are committed to protecting communities and will relentlessly pursue those who endanger lives through violence and the trafficking of deadly substances," said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
Nine people were arrested, with warrants being issued for two others. In total, they face a combined 214 charges.
