Toronto police say millions of dollars in drugs, property and cash, along with weapons, have been seized in an investigation into an alleged drug smuggling operation with links to the United States.
They say the seven-month investigation has led to the arrests of 27 people on criminal organization and drug trafficking charges.
Cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth, opium, ketamine and fentanyl — 283 kilograms in total — were seized, along with 103 kilograms of cutting agents for cocaine.
Investigators also seized eight firearms, including a Tec 9 machine pistol, an SKS rifle, a Springfield 40-calibre handgun and two 12 gauge shotguns, along with 418 rounds of ammunition.
Assets such as bank accounts, money counters and condominiums, worth almost $3.4 million, which police allege were proceeds of crime, and $2.4 million in cash were also seized.
The investigation, dubbed Project Beyond, involved Toronto police, York Regional Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Supt. Gord Sneddon said Thursday that the alleged criminal organization's reach extended beyond Ontario.
"Their range of influence has spread to the United States," Sneddon said. "We worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration, particularly in New York State, and we have had some success."
The unnamed organization was sophisticated and it compromised members of various ethnic groups, Sneddon said.
"The one common denominator is the desire to make money from the misery of other people," he said.
Investigators allege Kevin Er, 40, of Richmond Hill, Ont., was the organization's leader.
"It's very clear from our investigation that there was a hierarchy in this organization," said Snedden.
York Regional Police Insp. Dieter Boeheim says Er, who faces 15 charges, was known to police.
