Peel police have confiscated almost $ 50 million in cocaine that, they say, it was trafficked from the United States to the Metropolitan Area of Toronto in commercial trucks.
Peel Regional Police investigators said Tuesday that they began investigating a cocaine smuggling operation in June 2024 that was using commercial vehicles that came from the United States to Canada.
Chief Nishan Duraiappah of Peel Regional Police said this marks the greatest drug seizure in the history of police service.
“Organized crime continues to exploit borders and raises serious threats to public security. However, we are still firmly committed to working with our partners to protect our communities and improve security in our region and beyond,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
On February 11, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a crossing of commercial trucks from Michigan to Windsor, Ontario, which led to the seizure of 127 kilograms of cocaine found hidden inside the trailer, police said on Tuesday.
The CBSA then intercepted another truck in Blue Water Bridge at Edward’s point, Ontario ,, closer to Sarnia, which led to the seizure of 50 kilograms of cocaine that had been hidden inside the trailer, police said.
In total, Peel Police confiscated 479 kilograms of blocked cocaine that is connected to the investigation, which the service estimates is worth $ 47.9 million. Police said they also confiscated two semi -automatic firearms.
Nine men of Ontario have been arrested in relation to the case and face 35 criminal charges, police said.
Michael Kerzner, attorney general of Ontario, praised the police for the bust.
“Seizures such as this makes a big difference in the well -being of our Ontario communities. Every time we get illegal substances from our streets, we are literally saving lives and protecting Ontario,” Kerzner told journalists.
Police said the defendants were held for a bail hearing in the Court of Justice of Ontario in Brampton.
