Toronto police announce $83M cocaine bust, called biggest in force's history

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner speaks at a Toronto Police Service cocaine seizure announcement in Toronto on Tuesday. (Evan Mitsui/CBC - image credit)
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner speaks at a Toronto Police Service cocaine seizure announcement in Toronto on Tuesday. (Evan Mitsui/CBC - image credit)

Toronto police officials announced what they called the force's largest-ever cocaine bust Tuesday, with over 835 kilograms seized at a street value of about $83 million, coupled with multiple arrests and charges.

In a statement, Chief Myron Demkiw said the investigation will save lives and make the city safer.

"Taking these drugs off our streets prevents violence, protects lives, and dismantles dangerous criminal networks," he said. "This impact is only possible through the dedication of our members and the invaluable collaboration of our partners."

Police say the bust was borne out of an extensive joint-forces investigation into drug importation and trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area. It began last August and was led by Toronto police's drug squad with assistance from York police, the Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP officers in Windsor.

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Six people — including two Mexican nationals and four Canadians — are now facing drug trafficking charges in connection with the investigation. Police allege they are "high level" drug distributors.

Arrest warrants have also been issued for three other people, police say — two from Mexico and one from Niagara Falls.

The Toronto Police Service shows of a shipment of cocaine seized at the border at a press conference, at TPS headquarters, on Jan. 21, 2025.
The Toronto Police Service shows of a shipment of cocaine seized at the border at a press conference, at TPS headquarters, on Jan. 21, 2025.

Police say the bust originated from an extensive joint-forces investigation into drug importation and trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area that began last August. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

"The results of Project Castillo have struck a significant blow to organized crime while reducing the harm these drugs cause in neighbourhoods across Canada," Supt. Paul MacIntyre said in a statement. "This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to community safety."

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MacIntyre said Tuesday the seizure has the "hallmarks" of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He said more than half of the drugs seized in the investigation allegedly came from a single tractor-trailer from Mexico stopped on this side of the Canada-U.S. border.

He said the investigation also saw police carry out search warrants at alleged "stash houses."