Months-Long Probe Leads to Major Firearms and Narcotics Bust
An extensive undercover operation conducted by Durham Regional Police has resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects and the laying of more than 112 criminal charges in connection with gun and drug trafficking across southern Ontario.
The operation, code-named Project Venture, was launched in November 2024 and spanned multiple jurisdictions, including Durham Region, Toronto, and the Region of Waterloo. Investigators say the probe uncovered a sprawling criminal network responsible for trafficking illicit firearms and controlled substances throughout the province.
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12 Illegal Firearms Seized, Including U.S. and Stolen Weapons
During the course of the investigation, police executed 19 search warrants across the three regions. These coordinated raids led to the seizure of 12 firearms:
- 8 handguns
- 2 rifles
- 2 shotguns
Police revealed that four of the firearms were illegally imported from the United States, one was stolen in a local break-and-enter, and another was traced back to British Columbia. One weapon had a serial number that was unreadable, and two others had no serial numbers at all, indicating possible black-market manufacture or deliberate tampering. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify the origins of the remaining weapons.
Undercover Tactics Reveal Deeper Criminal Supply Chains
According to Detective-Sergeant Brad Corner, Project Venture began by targeting a local drug trafficker operating within Durham Region. Through undercover interactions and surveillance, police were able to infiltrate higher levels of the supply chain, eventually uncovering a parallel gun trafficking operation.
“Project Venture was an undercover operation,” said Det.-Sgt. Corner during a press conference on Thursday.
“We were targeting a drug trafficker that was operating in our region and through those contacts… we were able to move up the supply chain as well as focus on [the] gun trafficking operation.”
Charges and Arrests: 112 Offences, 10 Suspects, 2 Still at Large
A total of 112 charges have been laid so far, ranging from possession and trafficking of firearms and narcotics, to conspiracy, break-and-enter, and unauthorized possession of restricted weapons.
Police arrested 10 individuals during the enforcement phase of the operation. As of now, only three suspects remain in custody, while two additional individuals remain wanted and are being actively pursued by law enforcement.
Community Impact and Continued Efforts
The successful execution of Project Venture reflects Durham Regional Police’s ongoing commitment to dismantling organized crime and preventing illegal firearms from endangering communities.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, with additional charges or arrests possible as forensic analysis and further tracing of seized items continue.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with further information about gun or drug activity to contact local police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.