Markham raids produce 7 arrests and 60 kilograms of ketamine

Seven people have been arrested in a raid on what police call a ketamine production and distribution operation in Markham.

Investigators with the York Regional Police Drugs and Vice Unit executed 10 simultaneous search warrants on Thursday in Markham and Toronto. Two residences have been quarantined as suspected drug labs which police believe were used to produce and store ketamine.

Ketamine is a short-acting hallucinogen, sometimes used as a date rape drug.

More than 60 kilograms of ketamine were seized, which police say has a street value of $2.5 million, along with over $300,000 in cash, authorities say.

The investigation began in November, 2014, and dubbed Project Ice Castle, since police believe one of the primary production facilities for the drug was located inside of a residence on Castle Court in Markham.

That residence has been secured and the suspected drug labs are scheduled to be carefully dismantled over the next two days, say police.

Six of the suspects — a woman and five men — are charged with conspiracy to produce ketamine, production of ketamine, drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Another woman is charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. Police say the investigation is still in its early stages.