Law enforcement officials at Pearson International Airport say they have busted up a cocaine-importation ring.
In a news release issued Tuesday, the Toronto Airport Drug Enforcement Unit (TADEU) alleged the ring used couriers who transported cocaine hidden in toiletry bottles into Canada from South America.
TADEU is a joint unit involving investigators and officials from the RCMP, Peel Regional Police, the Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
The unit dubbed the 10-month investigation "Project OFLYER."
It claims to have accomplished the following:
- 10 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $1 million
- high-end vehicles
- $112,000 in cash
Police allege that Andrew Duncan, 39, of Brampton headed the ring.
He faces charges under both the Criminal Code and the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
His sister Debbie Duncan, 44, has been arrested in Atlanta, Ga. by U.s. Immigration and Customs special agents. She will be facing U.S. federal weapons and drug charges.
Eleven other individuals from Toronto, Ajax, Cambridge, Barrie, Woodbridge, Brampton and Mississauga were to appear in Brampton court on Tuesday on charges stemming from the investigation.
"This project is an excellent example of how an integrated approach among police agencies and Canada Border Services Agency can effectively thwart organized crime's efforts to use our international airports as a conduit for illegal drugs", stated Superintendent Ron Allen of the RCMP Greater Toronto Drug Section.
"Stopping the flow of illicit drugs as they enter Canada is an important step in making our communities safer."
