Twenty-five people were arrested Thursday, including one police officer, after a series of pre-dawn raids targeting drug suspects.

Police said the eight-month major drug investigation targeted an eastern European crime organization that was allegedly trafficking marijuana into the United States and cocaine into Canada.

Police said 34-year-old Ioan-Florin Floria, who served for eight years with traffic services, is accused of having close associations to the alleged drug organization, and conducting illegal and secret inquiries to help them.

"It is alleged in this case that one of our police officers used his position and his authority as an officer ... to assist a criminal organization, and he'll be held accountable for that," Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair said in a press conference.

Blair said the allegations toward the officer are cause for concern, but he's confident corruption isn't common among Toronto police.

"No one is above the law in our organization -- if people do engage in criminal or incorrect conduct, they will be held accountable," Blair said.

"It is worrisome that this could happen, but I don't believe it's widespread."

The Toronto Drug Squad and the RCMP executed 29 search warrants in B.C., Toronto, Mississauga and York region.

Investigators from across Canada and the United States worked together, seizing items including:

  • 453 kilograms of marijuana, valued at $3,000.000;
  •  One kilogram of cocaine valued at $30,000;
  • $487,000 CDN;
  •  $41,000 US;
  • Three handguns; and
  •  Two stolen vehicles valued at $50,000.

In total, police laid more than 60 sets of charges after the arrests. Police allege drugs were transported and distributed between British Columbia, Ontario and Michigan.

Police said after recovering the 450 kilograms of marijuana, the group allegedly planned to kidnap one of its members responsible for transporting the drugs. The authorities intervened, preventing the abduction.

The accused allegedly transported large amounts of drugs using different vehicles including boats, trains tractor-trailers, and cars.

Toronto police led the raids, but were joined by York and Peel police, as well as investigators from the RCMP, Citizen and Immigration Canada and U.S. Marshals.

A number of homes in York and Peel were raided. The suspects were taken to 32 Division, near Yonge Street and Finch Avenue West.

Police alleged the arrests put a dent in the organization's business, and expect more in Canada and the U.S.

The accused officer was slated to appear in court for the first time Thursday afternoon, and Blair said he'd be justly tried.

"The charges have been laid and the man is entitled to his day in court. We will be presenting evidence and deal with him in the due course of law," Blair said.

The police chief also said the arrest should serve as a reminder of how pervasive criminal groups can be.

"Organized crime affects us all, and the public has to be aware that it manifests itself in many different ways," Blair said.

With a report from CTV's Desmond Brown