$2.5 million in drugs recovered, 295 charges laid in Durham Region bust: police
Police in Durham Region say they have seized millions of dollars worth of drugs following a five-month investigation into fentanyl traffickers in the area.
In a news release issued Monday, Durham Regional Police said the investigation, dubbed Project Econoline, was spearheaded by the service’s drug enforcement unit and saw the execution of 28 search warrants within the Greater Toronto Area.
Over the course of the investigation, police said they recovered 5.8 kilograms of fentanyl, 4.2 kilograms of cocaine, 205 grams of methamphetamine, 3,000 oxycodone pills, and 30 kilograms of illicit cannabis.
As well, a quantity of hydromorphone, GHB, and MDMA was recovered.
Investigators believe the street value of the drugs recovered amount to roughly $2.5 million.
Eight handguns and more than $300,000 in cash were also seized, police said.
All told, 44 individuals were arrested and 295 charges were laid under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drug and Substance Act.
“Project Econoline has made a significant impact on the availability of fentanyl in areas experiencing high overdose rates,” police said.
According to investigators, there has been a “significant increase” in opioid-related deaths within the Durham Region community.
“These investigations into drug-trafficking and the arrests of those responsible have disrupted multiple smaller trafficking cells and deterred traffickers from dealing drugs within the Region of Durham," police said.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.