Canada Police Seize $97M Drugs, Arrest 19

Nineteen people, mostly of Indian origin, have been arrested in Ontario, Canada, after police seized nearly 1.7 tonnes of narcotics worth over $97 million. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the investigation, codenamed Project Bay, dismantled an alleged drug trafficking network that used commercial transport routes to smuggle narcotics into Canada.

The investigation began in January 2025 after the Windsor Police Service launched a probe into drug trafficking. The Canada Border Services Agency joined the investigation the following month, and the inquiry expanded to include the OPP and several other law enforcement agencies.

According to the OPP, the network operated through a broker-style model in the commercial transportation sector, using established logistics links to arrange for drivers to knowingly transport illicit consignments concealed within legitimate supply chains across the international border.

Between June 25 and July 20, police executed 22 search warrants at homes and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton, Kleinburg, Markham, and Caledon. The suspects arrested include several individuals, many of whom are truck drivers allegedly recruited to transport illicit consignments across the Canada-US border.

Authorities seized about 973 kg of cocaine, 660 kg of methamphetamine, 49 kg of opium, 230 oxycodone tablets, 17 firearms, about 80,000 Canadian dollars and USD 10,000 in cash, high-end jewellery, money counters, 43 mobile phones, six laptops, and a vehicle. The OPP said the estimated street value of the drugs exceeded 139 million Canadian dollars (approximately USD 97 million), describing it as one of the largest drug busts by weight in Ontario.

OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart described the seizure as a significant blow to organised crime, saying the operation had disrupted the cross-border flow of illegal drugs and firearms and prevented substantial harm to communities across Ontario.

The investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and organised crime. The use of commercial transport routes to smuggle narcotics into Canada is a significant concern, and the dismantling of this network is a major achievement for the OPP and its partners.

The case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and organised crime. The fact that shipments were picked up in California and transported across the Canada-US border highlights the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.

In conclusion, the seizure of $97 million worth of drugs and the arrest of 19 individuals is a significant blow to organised crime in Ontario, Canada. The investigation and its outcomes demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating drug trafficking and protecting communities across the region.

The impact of this operation will be felt across Ontario, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking. The OPP and its partners have made a significant contribution to the safety and security of communities across the region, and their work will continue to be crucial in the fight against organised crime.