More than $30 million worth of cocaine, crystal meth seized by Toronto police
Toronto police have arrested four men and seized almost 400 kilograms of narcotics that they say were likely imported from Mexico.
Police say that an investigation, dubbed Project Cerro, arose out of a separate probe which resulted in the largest single-day drug seizure in the history of the force back in November.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Project Cerro, which began last October, has resulted in the seizure of almost 390 kilograms of drugs - 364 kilos of crystal methamphetamine, 20 kilos of cocaine, and 3.8 kilos of fentanyl - with a total estimated street value of $32 million.
Police said four loaded Glock handguns were also seized in the investigation, along with seven motor vehicles, and over $500,000 in Canadian currency.
Toronto police’s drug squad executed 15 search warrants on Jan. 17 as part of their investigation.
Of the seven raided residences, which police described as "stash houses," all were in Toronto. Investigators said furniture used to “conceal contraband” was located at two of those homes.
“The ability to manufacture crystal methamphetamine at a high level, at a pure level, these are coming from Mexico,” Supt. Steven Watts, of Organized Crime Enforcement, said of the seized drugs during a press conference on Wednesday morning.
A cache of drugs and guns seized by Toronto police is seen in this image.
“The only people that would probably have the ability to supply this amount would have to be cartel based and I will leave it at that.”
Watts went on to say that organized crime groups “continue to seize on the opportunity to profit from the harm cause to the community and caused significant public safety and public health concerns.”
“This is occurring in all of our neighborhoods in Toronto, the GTA and all the smaller towns and municipalities in Ontario property through the importation and distribution of illicit substances, sometimes laced with toxic opioids. The drugs distributed by these organized criminal groups have fueled and continued to fuel gun violence and associated crime and disorder in our communities throughout the country,” he said, noting one of the best ways to reduce violence on our streets is to disrupt those who import and distribute these controlled substances, especially across the border.
Deputy Chief Pauline Gray, of Specialized Operations, called today’s news the “outcome of yet another successful drug seizure investigation.”
“The Toronto Police Service will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to keep dangerous drugs and people off the streets,” she said, thanking all who participated in this investigation.
“Make no mistake, investigations like these and the seizures and arrests that follow, save lives and prevent further violence in our city.” This news comes almost four months after Toronto police revealed the results of their largest single-day drug seizure.
Back in November 2022, police seized 520 kilos of crystal methamphetamine and 151 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of almost $60 million during an investigation called Project Zafiro.
Toronto residents Paul Lelutiu, 35, Troy Anthony Robinson, 40, Manasinh Jittavong, 39, and Soheil Baharloo, 34, are each facing a slew of drug- and firearms-related charges in connection with the latest investigation. The are all set to appear in court in the coming weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to quash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
Manitoba Court of Appeal dismisses Peter Nygard's appeal of extradition order
The Manitoba Court of Appeal has dismissed Peter Nygard's application for a judicial review of an order to extradite the former fashion mogul to the United States, where he faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.