10 arrested in Durham’s Project Expanse

A Durham Regional Police logo is shown in this file image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives

Ten people were charged with dozens of drug possession and trafficking offences in Beaverton after a cache of weapons and drugs were uncovered after a raid.

Last fall, officers with the Durham Regional Police began to notice increased drug activity and drug-related incidents in Beaverton.

Police upped their presence in the small town east of Lake Simcoe in December, by conducting R.I.D.E. programs, increased patrols and by attending local events.

Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device

Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox

Soon, members of the North Division Community Response Unit (CRU), and Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), with the assistance of front-line officers, began an in-depth investigation called Project Expanse, into the trafficking of illegal substances in Beaverton.

As a result, 10 people were arrested, 31 compliance checks were completed, 40 provincial offence notices were laid, and one Controlled Drugs and Substance Act Warrant was executed.

The 10 accused were arrested for offences ranging from drug possession and drug trafficking, to breaching release conditions.

During the execution of the search warrant, drugs, drug paraphernalia, replica firearms, and ammunition were located and seized.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.