ONTARIOPolice seized more than 100 kilograms of suspected cocaine, and arrested a full patch member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club and three other individuals following a three-month drug trafficking investigation spanning from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Niagara area into Nova Scotia.
“Outlaw motorcycle gang involvement in drug trafficking networks and other criminality is a top priority for law enforcement. The inter-provincial nature of this investigation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement on a national level. The OPP is grateful for the partnership with York Regional Police, Niagara Regional Police Service and Halton Regional Police Service. I also want to thank the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their joint effort to disrupt this drug trafficking network and protect our respective communities.” said OPP Detective Inspector Scott Wade, Specialty Services, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
In January 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), with assistance from Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), York Regional Police (YRP) and Halton Regional Police Service, commenced an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity by outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) members in St. Catharines. The investigation revealed that large quantities of cocaine were being trafficked throughout the GTA and distributed to the East Coast of Canada.
On Friday, April 4, 2025, the OPP-led BEU, YRP #2 District and YRP Forensic Identification Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Richmond Hill where the following items were reportedly seized:
- Approximately 101 kilograms of suspected cocaine
- More than $215,000 in Canadian currency
As a result of the investigation, four individuals were charged with a total of eight offences.
Randy McGean, age 53, Sherry Stillwell, age 44, and Cody Soulliere, age 40, all residents of St. Catharines, have each been charged with the following two offences contrary to the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):
- Possession of proceeds of crime
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Niagara on May 29, 2025.
David Crothers, age 47 of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following two offences contrary to the CC and CDSA:
- Possession of proceeds of crime
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Niagara on April 24, 2025.
On Friday, April 4, 2025, members from the NRPS Intelligence Unit and Tactical Response Unit executed additional search warrants at two residences in St. Catharines. Police say the following items were seized:
- Approximately 25 oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets
- Approximately five ounces of suspected cocaine
- A money counter
- A quantity of Canadian currency
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $10.1 million.
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the OPP-led BEU provided information to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Nova Scotia. The RCMP conducted a vehicle stop and located approximately five kilograms of suspected cocaine, a rifle, ammunition and high-capacity magazines. The driver of the vehicle has been charged by Cumberland County District RCMP.
Anyone with information regarding illegal activity associated with OMGs is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
“Organized crime networks cross inter-provincial boundaries and have an impact on our communities. The relationships with the OPP and municipal policing partners demonstrates the impact we can have when we work together to tackle organize crime.” – RCMP Superintendent Dave Chubbs, Federal Policing Officer, Eastern Region (Nova Scotia)
