Peel police have seized almost $50 million worth of cocaine they say was being trafficked from the U.S. into the Greater Toronto Area in commercial trucks.
Peel Regional Police investigators said Tuesday they began looking into a cocaine smuggling operation in June 2024 that was using commercial vehicles coming from the U.S. into Canada.
Chief Nishan Duraiappah of Peel Regional Police said this marks the largest drug seizure in the history of the police service.
“Organized crime continues to exploit borders and pose serious threats to public safety. However, we remain firmly committed to working with our partners to protect our communities and enhance safety in our region and beyond,” he said at a news conference Tuesday.
On Feb. 11, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a commercial truck crossing from Michigan into Windsor, Ont., leading to the seizure of 127 kilograms of cocaine found hidden within the trailer, police said Tuesday.
The CBSA later intercepted another truck at Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ont., — closer to Sarnia — that led to the seizure of 50 kilograms of cocaine that had been hidden within the trailer, police said.
In total, Peel police seized 479 kilograms of bricked cocaine that’s connected to the investigation, which the service estimates is worth $47.9 million. Police said they also seized two semi-automatic firearms.
Nine men from Ontario have been arrested in connection with the case and face 35 criminal charges, police said.
Michael Kerzner, Ontario’s solicitor general, praised police for the bust.
“Seizures like this make a huge difference in the wellbeing of our Ontario communities. Whenever we get illicit substances off our streets, we are quite literally saving lives and protecting Ontario,” Kerzner told reporters.
Police said the accused were held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
