by Samuel Rogers
The Toronto Police Service has unveiled a record breaking drug bust. At a press conference, TPS Chief Myron Demkiw announced the seizure of 835 kilograms of cocaine in an operation called “Project Castillo”. The street value of the confiscated narcotics sits at a whopping 83 million dollars. This is the biggest drug bust in the history of the Toronto Police Service.
Chief Demkiw also stated that the drug ring targeted in Project Castillo had the characteristics of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel; the CJNG are one of the preeminent drug cartels currently operating in Mexico.
Furthermore, the TPS announced the arrest of six individuals tied to their operation, including two Mexican nationals and four Canadians. There is also a warrant out for three more suspects.
“Among the highlights of this investigation was a seizure of 475 kilograms of cocaine in a single truck crossing at the Canada-US border” said Superintendent of Organized Crime Enforcement Paul MacIntyre.
Superintendent MacIntyre also highlighted the detrimental effects this bust has on drug trafficking from coast to coast. He said following this seizure cocaine prices have skyrocketed by 20% in Canada.
This massive drug bust comes at a time of tension between the United States and Canada as newly elected president Donald Trump has alleged that there is a steady flow of fentanyl and other narcotics going into the United States from Canada.
In response to a question, Chief Demkiw pushed back on this issue: “Our city has a considerable issue regarding gun violence, the vast majority of those crime guns emanate out of the United States so I think the conversation for us has been and continues to be our shared responsibility with all partners to ensure the safest possible borders to ensure the safety of our communities here in Toronto.”
As for whether Project Castillo has thrown a wrench in Jalisco Cartel operations, Superintendent MacIntyre says trafficking will continue in Toronto but that this operation has done significant damage and the cartel will feel the “sting a bit”.
Be the first to comment