43 stolen vehicles worth $3.8 million seized in B.C. linked to alleged Ontario organized crime network: police

A Niagara Regional Police Service sign is shown in St. Catharines, Ont., Friday, March 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett

Dozens of stolen vehicles worth millions of dollars were recently recovered by police at a port in B.C., and detectives say the seizure is linked to an organized crime group based in Ontario.

On Tuesday, Niagara Regional Police provided an update on its ongoing investigation dubbed Project Road King, which began in 2024 and resulted in more than 200 charges against 30 individuals related to auto theft and drug trafficking.

The joint forces investigation, which is being led by Niagara police and supported by the RCMP, CBSA, and police forces in Hamilton and Brantford, has been ongoing since then and involved what investigators described as the “extensive processing and forensic analysis of seized evidence, including numerous electronic devices.”

That led them to the discovery of 43 stolen vehicles, worth $3.8 million, at a port in B.C. which detectives believe were about to be shipped internationally.

Three suspects were taken into custody as a result. Keir McColl, 39, of Ancaster, Ont., Tudor Sopterian, 32, of Hamilton, and Dejan Zlojo, 43, of Etobicoke, are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic property obtained by crime over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit theft over $5,000.

McColl and Sopterian were arrested in the initial Project Road King bust. They’re also charged with conspiracy to intimidate by threats of violence, unlawfully producing fentanyl, and failing to comply with a release order in connection with the latest development.

All three suspects remain in custody following bail hearings. An arrest warrant has been issued for Burlington, Ont., resident Nikola Scepanovic, 58, in connection with the investigation.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cocaine seized so far

Niagara police began their initial investigation in August of 2024 after they received a tip from Kingston police about a man who was believed to be delivering a “substantial” quantity of drugs to a supplier in the eastern Ontario city.

That man was identified as Curtis “Tiny” Gravelle, a Welland, Ont., resident, who police allege was involved in what they described as a “large-scale” drug trafficking network.

• READ MORE: Niagara police seize 38 stolen vehicles and quantity of drugs and guns following investigation into ‘criminal network’

Police began making arrests in connection with the investigation throughout the spring of 2025, while also seizing guns, controlled substances, stolen vehicles and cash connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.

The investigation came to a head on Sept. 9, when police seized more than 12 kilograms of suspected cocaine, one kilogram of suspected methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of MDMA and 38 stolen vehicles valued at more than $3.3 million. At least 17 long guns, three hand guns, and more than half-a-million dollars worth of Canadian cash was also seized.

More charges expected: police

Niagara police say the investigation remains active and further charges are “anticipated.”

“Project Road King highlights the power of coordinated, intelligence-led policing. While the initial takedown disrupted a significant organized crime network, our work continues,” Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy said in a statement.

Police are asking anyone with information about the ongoing investigation to contact them at Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009320 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.