ONTARIO-Police say several independent drug-trafficking networks in eastern Ontario and Montréal, Québec, were dismantled following the seizure of illegal drugs and counterfeit prescription tablets with a combined street value of more than $4.1 million.
In November 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), with support from the Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, initiated Project REDLINE. The intelligence-led investigation focused on drug-trafficking activity in Cornwall, Ontario, and Montréal, Québec. Using numerous investigative techniques, police identified four independent criminal networks: one trafficking fentanyl, two trafficking cocaine, and one trafficking counterfeit prescription medications and cocaine.
“Organized crime networks involved in the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine and counterfeit prescription medications pose a serious and ongoing threat to public safety. Project REDLINE demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence‑led policing and strong collaboration among law enforcement partners across jurisdictions. By dismantling multiple criminal networks and seizing significant quantities of dangerous drugs, police have prevented potentially lethal substances from reaching our communities. The Ontario Provincial Police and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to disrupt organized crime and protect the public from the harms caused by illicit drug trafficking.” said OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OCEB
As the investigation progressed, the OPP engaged the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) Escouade Nationale de Répression du Crime Organisé (ENRCO) to collaborate in addressing the multijurisdictional and interprovincial nature of these drug-trafficking networks. Further investigation revealed that one of the networks was linked to an individual currently incarcerated at a Montréal-area correctional facility according to police.
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, three search warrants were executed at residences in Cornwall and four in Montréal by members from:
- OPP OCEB
- SQ ENRCO
- OPP Clandestine Laboratory Investigative Response Team (CLIRT)
- OPP Digital Forensics
- OPP Forensic Interviewing Team
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Canine Unit
- Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry OPP
- Cornwall Police Service
- Service de police de la Ville de Montréal
As a result of the investigation, the following items were seized with approximate quantities:
- 20 kg suspected fentanyl
- 14 kg suspected cocaine
- 80,000 counterfeit prescription tablets
The seizure of fentanyl equates to approximately 200,000 potentially lethal street-level doses.
Thirteen individuals have been charged with a combined 105 offences contrary to the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Information on the accused and their respective charges is included in the attached Addendum of Charged Persons.
Illicit fentanyl can be imported from other source countries or domestically produced with precursor chemicals in clandestine laboratories according to police. The potency of the fentanyl has been taken into consideration when estimating street-level doses. Police say cocaine is not domestically produced in Canada and enters illegally through other source countries.
The investigation into the source of the fentanyl and cocaine is ongoing, and evidence indicates the substances were intended for domestic sale and use.
The OPP CLIRT was engaged to execute one of the search warrants in Cornwall. The OPP CLIRT supports investigations that involve high-risk situations that may include pure bulk substances. Their role is to ensure search warrants are executed safely. There are no concerns to public safety associated with this location.
Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
