Probe into ‘sophisticated’ drug-trafficking network leads to largest gun bust in Halton police history

Halton police say 24 firearms were seized in Project Cyprus, a six-month long investigation into a sophisticated drug trafficking network.

Halton Regional Police say an investigation into a “high-level drug trafficking network” operating throughout the Greater Toronto Area has resulted in the largest firearms bust in the department’s history.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday morning, police said 24 firearms were seized in Project Cyprus, a six-month long investigation into a “sophisticated and well-organized” drug trafficking network.

Four suspects from Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, and Oshawa are facing a combined 30 charges in connection with the investigation.

All of the weapons seized originated from the United States and were smuggled across the border using various methods, including storing firearms in hidden compartments inside vehicles, police said.

“This seizure has prevented shootings and saved lives,” Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie told reporters on Tuesday.

“This was not a small, localized operation. This criminal network extended beyond our region with connections that reached across municipal, provincial, and international boundaries.”

‘Tip of the iceberg’

Nine search warrants were carried out in the GTA on homes and vehicles and police said in addition to the weapons, 20 prohibited large capacity magazines and ammunition were seized.

Drugs, including 16.5 kg of cocaine and 16,000 oxycodone tablets, were also seized as part of the investigation.

Police say the believe the criminal organization is a “large network” and there are others who are a part of it that are not in custody.

“There are more firearms (across the GTHA) I believe now than there ever has before,” Police Chief Stephen Tanner said.

“I think what you are seeing is a tip of the iceberg of a very prevalent issue where firearms are too readily accessible to dangerous criminals.”