Toronto police have announced seven arrests as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking ring in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). They also reported the largest seizure of crystal methamphetamine and powder cocaine in the history of the Toronto Police Service.
Police said 551 kilograms of cocaine and 441 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were seized as part of an investigation called Project Finito. The investigation was conducted over a period of three and a half months investigating large-scale drug importation and distribution in the GTA.
In a press conference on November 17, Toronto police said that the street value of the seized drugs is 90 million dollars.
Organized Crime Enforcement Unit Superintendent Steve Watts said the drugs seized were destined for the streets of Toronto and beyond and could have caused significant harm to our community. Stopping the flow of these drugs has saved many lives from overdose.
Other items seized in Sandant include a firearm, a car and $95,000 in Canadian currency.
Watts said the drug entered Canada primarily through the land border from the United States. All those arrested for their alleged involvement in drug smuggling are residents of the GTA and are alleged to have held key positions in the drug smuggling network.
A complaint has been filed against 20-year-old Cameron Longmore and 25-year-old Jubaiul Haque, both residents of Ajax. Longman has been charged with two counts of drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy to possess drugs for trafficking and three counts of dangerous driving. Haque has been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking. He was also charged with one count of possession of a licensed firearm.
Brian Sherritt, 37, and Abubakar Mohammed, 30, both of Etobicoke, have been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Tenzis Palden, 25, of Mississauga, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.
Two Toronto residents, Bashir Hasan Abdi, 34, and Lucho Lauder, 43, were also arrested in connection with the incident.
Watts said the two arrested suspects are in custody. The remaining five have been released on bail.
