'Violence, drugs and fear:' More than 150 charges laid after investigation into Toronto street gang
Toronto police say they have made 32 arrests and laid 158 criminal charges following a nearly year-long investigation into a Toronto street gang that was allegedly using Canada Post to distribute drugs to other provinces.
Police made the announcement at a news conference on Thursday where they provided details on ‘Project Foxxx.’
The 11-month investigation targeted the alleged activities of the ‘Jamestown Crips’ street gang. While that gang has historical roots in the Etobicoke area, police say that their alleged crimes span well beyond those borders.
“Toronto gangs are not just a local problem. Their influence is no longer contained to specific streets and areas in our city. As you can see from this investigation their criminal networks extend far beyond Toronto, reaching into other provinces and affecting communities across the country,” Insp. Paul Krawczyk said.
“This investigation affected areas across Ontario and cities like Thompson, Manitoba and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Their reach into these communities spreads violence, drugs and fear and we must do everything we can to stop them.”
As part of the investigation officers executed 35 search warrants in Toronto, Hamilton, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, Guelph and Thompson, Manitoba, which resulted in the arrest of the 32 suspects.
The investigation led to the seizure of nine firearms, 4.7 kilos of cocaine (with an approximate street value of $568,000, six kilos of methamphetamine (with an approximate street value of $480,000) and over $320,000 in proceeds of crime.
“They're concealing it. They're making it look like a regular package and obviously lots of packages are going through Canada Post daily, hourly,” Inspector Paul Krawczyk said of the gang’s alleged use of the mail system to smuggle drugs.
“They were trying to conceal what they were doing, but our investigation revealed this, and so we worked with Canada Post to intercept packages before they got to St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The Toronto Police Service initially partnered with York Regional Police, Peel Regional Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police in the investigation.
Krawczyk said they focused on Jamestown Crips because it’s “historically well established” in Toronto’s Rexdale neighborhood, which has faced a “disproportionate amount of violent crime” such as shootings, carjacking and robberies.
“Gangs operate with a total disregard for the safety and well being of others. The criminal activities endanger innocent lives and destabilize communities. We are taking decisive action to remove these dangerous elements from our streets,” he told reporters.
Police said the 158 criminal charges include possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited device, possession of proceeds of crime, trafficking, conspiracy, firearms offenses, tampering with a serial number, assault, participating in the activities of a criminal organization and commission of an offense for a criminal organization.
The suspects range in age from 16 to 40. For a full list of the suspects and the charges they are facing follow this link.
“Our intention is to disrupt. I'm not going to be up here trying to pretend that the gang doesn't exist as of this morning, but the reality is, you know, when you can take nine guns off the street, just one gun can be used in dozens of shootings and claim innocent lives,” Krawczyk said.
A quantity of cash that was seized as part of an investigation into a Toronto street gang known as the Jamestown Crips is shown.
A quantity of cash that was seized as part of an investigation into a Toronto street gang known as the Jamestown Crips is shown.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.4822761.1582326806!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
DEVELOPING Kingston, Ont. police investigate triple stabbing
Police in Kingston, Ont. say a standoff is underway between officers and a suspect following a triple stabbing Thursday morning.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattles the Los Angeles area
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the Los Angeles area Thursday morning, unleashing boulders onto a Malibu road, visibly shaking Santa Monica's 1909 wooden pier and jolting some people from bed. No injuries or damages were immediately reported.
BREAKING 3 dead in Lloydminster, Sask., few details available
Three people are dead after an "incident" in Lloydminster, RCMP have confirmed.
Consul general to New York answering questions over $9M luxury condo purchase
After weeks of pressure, Canada's consul general Tom Clark is testifying on Thursday before a House of Commons committee about the purchase of his new official residence in New York that generated a lot of political attention over the summer.
Air Canada pushing for government intervention as clock ticks on labour talks
Air Canada is asking the federal government to be ready to intervene in its labour talks with its pilots as time is running out before a potential shutdown.
OPP constable charged after alleged assault at Santa's Village
A veteran OPP officer is facing an assault charge following an incident at an amusement park in Bracebridge.
Here's what you need to know about your rights ahead of a possible Air Canada strike, according to a passenger advocate
While Air Canada has shared advice for travellers ahead of a possible pilots strike, an airline passenger rights advocate has more tips for Canadians who may be affected.
Realtor fined by B.C. regulator after property photos digitally altered
A British Columbia Realtor has been fined thousands of dollars after a property listing was found to contain photos that were digitally altered to hide peeling paint and show furnishings that did not exist.