Cambridge man pleads guilty after two arrests in separate drug trafficking investigations

Wahid Wahab of Cambridge, Ont. was charged with drug trafficking, while out on bail for similar charges. CTV’s Krista Simpson tells us how much time he’ll spend

A Cambridge man has pleaded guilty to drug offences after police said he was caught up in two separate investigations.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service launched a six-month drug trafficking investigation in 2021 that they called ‘Project Walrus,’ leading to a significant seizure of drugs and weapons.

All told, fourteen people were charged in September 2021

On Tuesday, the last of the accused, Wahid Wahab, was in court.

Wahab was described by investigators as ‘the main guy’ in the drug trafficking operations. He pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl and possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.

The court was told he sold undercover officers nine ounces of the drug for $18,000. He also gave an undercover officer four ounces of purple fentanyl on credit.

Days later, Wahab and the officer discussed a repayment of $8,000 for the purple fentanyl. They made an arrangement to buy more fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine and set a date for pickup.

On Sept. 15, Wahab was arrested at a McDonald’s on Homer Watson Boulevard in Kitchener.

In court the Crown said Wahab was a ‘directing mind’ behind Project Walrus, evidenced by his knowledge of the stock of illegal drugs and his ability to offer credit to buyers.

Less than a week later Wahab was released on house arrest. It was later loosened to a curfew to allow him to work.

Three years later, in November 2024, he was arrested again while he was out on bail. This time it was as part of an Oxford County Ontario Provincial Police drug investigation called ‘Project Napoli.’

A search of his car uncovered crystal meth.

He has been in custody since his arrest on Nov. 21, 2024.

While he was in court on Tuesday, Wahab pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in relation to that investigation.

The court was told Wahab is not an addict, and his actions were motivated by money.

“Fentanyl trafficking is the most serious drug offense known to our law,” Crown prosecutor Andrew Choat said.

Wahab’s lawyer, Jordana Goldlist, said he grew up in poverty, struggled with racism and bullying in school and got involved with the wrong crowd as an adult, selling marijuana between jobs.

“I just want to take this time and apologize for my actions that caused unintentional harm to the community.” Wahab said while reading from a prepared letter, adding that he now realizes, “it wasn’t worth it, and it was very selfish of me.”

He said he wants to give back to the community by teaching young people that crime does not pay. Wahab also expressed a desire to become a better man and a better father to his two young children.

The judge, Justice Karey Katzach accepted a joint submission from the Crown and defence asking for a sentence of 11 years, minus credit for time already served. He has served 277 actual days in presentence custody, which will be credited at 1.5 for a total of 416 days.

“Those who choose to traffic this incredibly dangerous substance must understand that once they are apprehended and found guilty, they will face lengthy penitentiary sentences,” Justice Katzach said. “There is no other option for the courts.”

Wahab did not have a criminal record prior to his arrest during Project Walrus.

“He has great support waiting for him when his sentence is complete,” Goldlist told the court. She said his family members are ready to support him once he has served his time.