$139M drug bust exposes broker-style cross-border trucking operation

U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with international aspects. Toronto Police and Peel Regional Police also provided operational and investigative support. Several specialized Canadian units participated during the searches. Those agencies included local, provincial and federal law enforcement partners.

Searches uncover drugs, firearms and cash

Police teams executed 18 search warrants on June 25. The locations included Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg. Authorities conducted two additional searches in Markham and Caledon on July 14. Investigators then carried out two more in Brampton on July 20.

Authorities seized 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine. They also recovered 49 kilograms of suspected opium and 230 oxycodone tablets. Officers found 17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle. The haul also contained ammunition, brass knuckles, magazines and a baton.

Investigators recovered C$80,000 and US$10,000 during the operation. Officers also took one vehicle as offense-related property. Additional items included high-end jewelry, money counters, 43 cellphones and six laptops.

Twenty-one people face 104 offenses

Authorities charged 21 people with 104 offenses under two Canadian laws. Those statutes include the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Police arrested 19 defendants during the operation. Two others remain wanted under outstanding arrest warrants.

The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit joined the case. Its investigators will examine possible offenses involving criminal proceeds. The unit will also assist with taking property connected to alleged crimes. Project Bay’s broader investigation remains active.

“This seizure reflects the scale of criminal activity that crosses borders and impacts communities across Ontario,” OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart said. He credited cooperation among municipal, provincial, federal and international partners. “We have significantly disrupted the flow of harmful substances,” Stoddart said. He also said authorities removed substantial profits from the criminal economy.

“This investigation began as the result of information obtained by the Windsor Police Service,” Chief Jason Crowley said. He said the operation later expanded across several Ontario jurisdictions. Crowley credited law enforcement partners with dismantling the network. He said the organization moved dangerous drugs and firearms into communities across the province.

CBSA’s Southern Ontario region has seized 5,555 kilograms of illegal drugs at land ports this year. Officers there have also seized 206 firearms during that period. Regional Director General Michael Prosia credited cooperation among domestic and international agencies. He specifically thanked Ontario Provincial Police and Windsor Police for their work.

Project Bay remains an active investigation. Before publication, FreightWaves contacted OPP for additional information about the transportation operation. OPP did not provide a response before publication. FreightWaves will update this article as officials release more details.

Why it matters

The case shows how criminal networks can place illegal products inside legitimate commercial supply chains. Transportation professionals can use these details to recognize how traffickers may exploit industry connections.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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