Police say 120 people are facing charges after a number of search warrants were executed across Ontario Thursday morning as part of a year-long investigation into the ‘Driftwood Crips’ street gang.
Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders said as many as 800 officers from across the province raided 77 properties earlier this morning, targeting a gang he alleged has grown beyond the confines of its usual North York area southeast of Jane Street and Shoreham Drive.
He told reporters Thursday that those charged in “Project Kronic” are accused of drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and numerous assaults, attempted murders and killings.
The gang allegedly supplied large amounts of fentanyl to drug sellers in various Ontario cities, and had established a presence in several cities in western Canada.
In several instances, senior members of the gang allegedly coordinated its activities while they themselves were confined behind bars.
The accused all appeared in bail court this morning.
They are facing a combined total of more than 660 criminal charges.
Saunders said another news conference is planned for Friday to break down details of the allegations against the gang. Twenty different police services participated in the investigation.
He called the Driftwood Crips “one of the oldest gangs in Toronto,” and said they were targeted in a similar investigation in 2007.
He said “Project Kronic” has put “a significant dent ” in the gang’s ability to carry out further criminal activity.
