Nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs seized in one of the largest drug busts by weight in Ontario
News release
July 23, 2026
Windsor, Ontario
A multi-jurisdictional, cross-border investigation resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and opium marking one of the most significant drug seizures in a single investigation in Ontario. This intelligence-led joint forces investigation, named Project Bay, focused on disrupting the importation and trafficking of illegal drugs with a nexus to the international border.
In January 2025, the Windsor Police Service (WPS) initiated a drug-trafficking investigation. In February 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) collaborated with WPS to advance the investigation and identify the cross-border trafficking network. As the scope and complexity of the investigation expanded, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was engaged to support the cross-border and interprovincial components of the investigation through the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) and the OPP-led Border Drug Interdiction Task Force (BDIT).
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement partners provided critical support. US agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted with international aspects of the investigation, while the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Peel Regional Police (PRP) provided operational and investigative support.
The investigation revealed the use of a broker-style model within the commercial transportation sector. It leveraged established connections to facilitate the cross-border movement of illegal drugs, including the arrangement of drivers to knowingly transport illicit commodities within legitimate supply chains.
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, 18 search warrants were executed at residences and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg, by members from:
- OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
- WPS
- WPS Emergency Services Unit
- OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
- OPP Emergency Response Team
- OPP Canine Unit
- OPP Community Street Crime Unit
- CBSA
- TPS
- PRP
- PRP Tactical and Rescue Unit
- London Police Service Emergency Response Unit
- Chatham-Kent Police Service Emergency Response Team
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Canine
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, two search warrants were executed in Markham and Caledon.
On Monday, July 20, 2026, two search warrants were executed in Brampton.
Throughout the investigation and as a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized with approximate quantities:
- 973 kg suspected cocaine
- 660 kg of suspected methamphetamine
- 49 kg suspected opium
- 230 oxycodone tablets (5 mg)
- 17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle
- Ammunition
- Prohibited devices and weapons including brass knuckles, magazines and baton
- C$80,000
- US$10,000
- One vehicle as offence-related property
- High-end jewellery
- Money counters
- 43 cell phones and six laptops
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $139 million, representing a significant disruption to the illegal drug supply chain in Ontario.
The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit has been engaged to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and assist in the seizure of offence-related property.
Twenty-one individuals have been charged with 102 offences contrary to the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Nineteen of the accused were arrested and two remain outstanding. Arrest warrants have been issued. Information on the accused and their respective charges are included in the below Addendum of Charged Persons.
Cocaine is not produced domestically and enters Canada through international drug trafficking networks. Methamphetamine seized in recent OPP investigations originates from multiple sources and is either produced in clandestine domestic laboratories or imported into Canada. The investigation into the source and full scope of the trafficking network remain ongoing.
Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Quotes
“This seizure reflects the scale of criminal activity that crosses borders and impacts communities across Ontario. By removing more than a metric tonne of illegal drugs and multiple firearms from circulation, we have significantly disrupted the flow of harmful substances, prevented community harm and removed substantial profits from the criminal economy. This investigation highlights the critical role of integrated border enforcement, which enables the OPP to work in collaboration with municipal, provincial, federal and international partners to deter, detect and disrupt the cross‑border movement of illegal drugs and firearms.”– OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart
“Project Bay is a powerful example of how intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration can deliver significant results. This investigation began as the result of information obtained by the Windsor Police Service and evolved into a complex operation spanning multiple jurisdictions across Ontario. Working closely with our policing partners, we were able to dismantle a network that was moving dangerous drugs and firearms into communities across the province and putting public safety at risk.” – WPS Chief Jason Crowley
“The Canada Border Services Agency works with domestic and international enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs from entering Canada and disrupt criminal networks. Border services officers are Canada’s first line of defence, keeping communities safe from illegal drugs and organized crime. So far this year, the CBSA in Southern Ontario has seized 206 firearms and 5,555 kg of illegal drugs at land ports of entry. Thank you to all partners involved in the Project Bay investigation, particularly the Ontario Provincial Police and Windsor Police Service.” – Michael Prosia, Regional Director General for Southern Ontario, Canada Border Services Agency
“The success of Project Bay highlights the critical role of partnership-driven policing in addressing the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking networks. The Toronto Police Service was pleased to provide operational support throughout this investigation, which resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs and 17 firearms before they could reach communities across Ontario. By disrupting criminal networks that fuel drug trafficking, violence and exploitation, this investigation has made a meaningful contribution to public safety in Toronto and beyond." – TPS Superintendent Ryan Forde
"Organized crime operates without regard for jurisdictional boundaries, and Project Bay demonstrates the impact of coordinated, interagency enforcement. Through intelligence sharing with our policing and border security partners, we disrupted criminal networks that profit from addiction and violence, preventing dangerous drugs and illegal firearms from reaching Peel Region and helping keep our communities safe." – Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich, Peel Regional Police
Quick facts
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The OPP supports border security through integrated enforcement and intelligence‑led operations in partnership with municipal, provincial, federal and international agencies. While the CBSA and the RCMP have primary responsibility for securing Canada’s borders, the OPP serves a critical role in maintaining border integrity in Ontario. The OPP contributes personnel and specialized expertise to joint forces initiatives, including the HSI-led BEST and the OPP-led BDIT. Through these integrated teams, the OPP works collaboratively with Canadian and US partners to deter, detect and disrupt the cross‑border movement of illegal drugs, firearms and other illicit commodities, and to enhance public safety on both sides of the border.
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Contacts
Ontario Provincial Police
Angie Sloan
Strategic Communications Advisor, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
angie.sloan@opp.ca
Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-877-761-5945
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