An investigation launched by the Windsor Police Service 18 months ago has led to the seizure of more than $139 million of illegal drugs and the arrest of 21 people.
The seizure is believed to be the largest, by weight, in a single investigation in Ontario history.
The investigation, named Project Bay, was a multi-jurisdictional operation that included the Canada Border Service Agency, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Toronto Police Service, the Peel Regional Police, and U.S. agencies Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
"A key finding of the investigation was the identification of a broker-style transportation model operating within the commercial transportation sector," said OPP Detective Superintendent Andy Bradford. "Investigators identified a network coordinating the movement and distribution of large quantities of drugs through otherwise legitimate supply chains."
Between June 25 and July 20, homes in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton, Kleinburg, Markham and Caledon were searched in connection with the investigation.
The following items were seized throughout the course of the investigation:
973 kg suspected cocaine
660 kg suspected methamphetamine
49 kg opium
230 oxycodone tablets (5mg)
17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle
Ammunition
Prohibited devices and weapons including brass knuckles, magazines and baton
C$80,000
US$10,000
One vehicle as offence-related property
High-end jewellery
Money counters
43 cell phones and six laptops
There are two suspects, believed to live in Windsor, still outstanding.
A total of 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs were seized, a large portion of which was seized by the CBSA at the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia.
"The intelligence that we've gathered from these seizures has helped us, not only in these communities, but across Canada," said Michael Prosia, CBSA Regional Director General. "The intelligence that we feed from this investigation will help make intelligence-led referrals at other ports of entry across the country to further disrupt these networks."
Law enforcement officials concede that while this is one of the most significant seizures in a single investigation in Ontario, these networks are complex and continue to pose a threat.
"The scope of this drug trafficking network extends into the southwestern United States, and we continue to work with our American partners, in this case the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to share intelligence and enforcement information to bring those people to justice," said Bradford.
Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley said the most important thing is that these drugs and guns no longer pose a threat to people in the community.
"The drugs in this room are not ending up in the hands of our community's vulnerable population. The firearms in this room are not sowing chaos in our communities. And because of Project Bay we will see fewer lives destroyed and fewer families torn apart," said Crowley.
