Police say the investigation began earlier this year in Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area, with funding from the Ontario government. It was expanded with the assistance of Canada Border Services Agency, RCMP, OPP, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, Halton Regional Police Service, Peterborough Police Service and Vancouver Police Service. According to police, the group was involved in a number of violent crimes, multiple weapons offences, drug trafficking and theft of tractor-trailer loads, among other crimes. Police say the group’s modus operandi included intimidation, violence and financial incentives. The 24 people arrested are believed to be linked to the group and 54 charges have been laid so far. These include theft over $5,000, fraud, possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking and uttering threats, as well as various weapons-related charges. Police say they executed search warrants at 14 different locations, resulting in the seizure of four firearms, 10 stolen vehicles valued at more than $1.1 million, stolen heating and air conditioning units valued at nearly $500,000 and illegal opioids valued at more than $25,000. Police are asking anyone with information they believe may be relevant to call investigators directly at 905-453-2121 ext. 2133 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
