The operation, dubbed Project Crowthorne, resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine; 200,000 suspected MDMA pills; an ounce of cocaine; 100 kilograms of ephedrine pills; two pill presses; and $500,000 in Canadian currency, according to police.
12 arrested in alleged GTA meth-production ring as sources say rising cocaine prices are pushing demand
The arrests come as police in Montreal, 海角社区官网and Vancouver have noted rising prices in cocaine amid COVID-19 border shutdowns that make it harder to import and distribute the drug.
The operation, dubbed Project Crowthorne, resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine; 200,000 suspected MDMA pills; an ounce of cocaine; 100 kilograms of ephedrine pills; two pill presses; and $500,000 in Canadian currency, according to police.
The Ontario Provincial Police say they鈥檝e made a dozen arrests after a 13-month investigation into a GTA methamphetamine ring.
The operation began in April 2019 with a look at two GTA individuals who were believed to be providing chemicals for the production of the drug.
The arrests come as police in Montreal, 海角社区官网and Vancouver have noted rising prices in cocaine amid COVID-19 border shutdowns that make it harder to import and distribute the drug.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
That cocaine shortage pushes up the demand for methamphetamine, which can be manufactured locally, sources say.
The police operation wrapped up this week with 12 arrests after raids on suspected production and distribution sites in Toronto, Scarborough, Concorde, Brampton, Woodbridge and Trenton by officers from the OPP, York Regional Police, 海角社区官网Police Service, Peel Regional Police Service amd Durham Regional Police Service.
Officers were assisted by 海角社区官网Paramedic Services and 海角社区官网Fire Services because of health hazards presented by the chemicals.
Police did not immediately identify the suspects nor whether they belonged to any criminal organization.
The operation, dubbed Project Crowthorne, resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine; 200,000 suspected MDMA pills; an ounce of cocaine; 100 kilograms of ephedrine pills; two pill presses; and $500,000 in Canadian currency, according to police.
The suspects were all released on a promise to appear at various Ontario Court of Justice locations in September.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Police said methamphetamine production is dangerous to the general public as the production of one kilogram of the drug produces about six kilograms of toxic waste.
鈥淭he public safety and environmental concerns that are associated to methamphetamine production sites are significant,鈥 Det. Staff Sgt. Lee Fulford of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau said.
鈥淭he operation of these labs pose a risk to members of the community due to the potential dangers including fires, explosions, harmful fumes and chemical exposure,鈥 Fulford said.
Peter Edwards is a Toronto-based reporter primarily covering
crime for the Star. Reach him via email: pedwards@thestar.ca
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation