ONTARIO-Police say a multi-jurisdictional, cross-border investigation resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and opium marking one of the most significant drug seizures in a single investigation in Ontario. This intelligence-led joint forces investigation, named Project Bay, focused on disrupting the importation and trafficking of illegal drugs with a nexus to the international border.
“This seizure reflects the scale of criminal activity that crosses borders and impacts communities across Ontario. By removing more than a metric tonne of illegal drugs and multiple firearms from circulation, we have significantly disrupted the flow of harmful substances, prevented community harm and removed substantial profits from the criminal economy. This investigation highlights the critical role of integrated border enforcement, which enables the OPP to work in collaboration with municipal, provincial, federal and international partners to deter, detect and disrupt the cross‑border movement of illegal drugs and firearms.” said OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart.
In January 2025, the Windsor Police Service (WPS) initiated a drug-trafficking investigation. In February 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) collaborated with WPS to advance the investigation and identify the cross-border trafficking network. As the scope and complexity of the investigation expanded, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was engaged to support the cross-border and interprovincial components of the investigation through the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) and the OPP-led Border Drug Interdiction Task Force (BDIT).
Police say as the investigation progressed, law enforcement partners provided critical support. US agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted with international aspects of the investigation, while the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Peel Regional Police (PRP) provided operational and investigative support.
The investigation revealed the use of a broker-style model within the commercial transportation sector according to police. It leveraged established connections to facilitate the cross-border movement of illegal drugs, including the arrangement of drivers to knowingly transport illicit commodities within legitimate supply chains.
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, 18 search warrants were executed at residences and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg, by members from:
- OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
- WPS
- WPS Emergency Services Unit
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Canine Unit
- OPP Community Street Crime Unit
- CBSA
- TPS
- PRP
- PRP Tactical and Rescue Unit
- London Police Service Emergency Response Unit
- Chatham-Kent Police Service Emergency Response Team
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Canine
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, two search warrants were executed in Markham and Caledon.
On Monday, July 20, 2026, two search warrants were executed in Brampton.
Throughout the investigation and as a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized with approximate quantities:
- 973 kg suspected cocaine
- 660 kg suspected methamphetamine
- 49 kg opium
- 230 oxycodone tablets (5mg)
- 17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle
- Ammunition
- Prohibited devices and weapons including brass knuckles, magazines and baton
- C$80,000
- US$10,000
- One vehicle as offence-related property
- High-end jewellery
- Money counters
- 43 cell phones and six laptops
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $139 million according to the OPP. The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit has been engaged to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and assist in the seizure of offence-related property.
Twenty-one individuals have been charged with 102 offences contrary to the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Nineteen of the accused were arrested and two remain outstanding. Arrest warrants have been issued.
Cocaine is not produced domestically and enters Canada through international drug trafficking networks. Methamphetamine seized in recent OPP investigations originates from multiple sources and is either produced in clandestine domestic laboratories or imported into Canada. The investigation into the source and full scope of the trafficking network remain ongoing.
Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
