Ten people have been charged with 268 offences after an eight-month investigation into weapons and drug trafficking in southwestern Ontario.
On March 9th, police executed search warrants at several Ontario locations, including Barrie.
As the investigation continued, police identified four separate, unrelated criminal networks involved in the trafficking of cocaine, firearms, explosives and cannabis.
The four independent criminal networks identified include:
- Members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in the London area responsible for trafficking cocaine in large quantities.
- A criminal network trafficking firearms and cannabis in the London area.
- A criminal network responsible for trafficking firearms and cocaine in the Brantford area.
- A criminal network engaged in the trafficking of offensive weapons, explosive devices and cocaine in the Brantford area, including grenades and a grenade launcher.
As a result of this investigation, police seized:
- 31 firearms
- 81 grenades
- Two (2) grenade launchers
- 22 other prohibited devices
- Three (3) explosive projectiles
- 10.85 kilograms of cocaine
- 216 pounds of illegal cannabis
- Five (5) pounds of hash
- More than $10,000 in other illegal cannabis products
- 36 pounds of psilocybin
- 715 grams of MDMA
- One (1) Outlaws MC vest
- $127,757 in Canadian currency
- $2,106 in US currency
- Eight (8) vehicles
“Project WEAVER has revealed the availability of truly alarming offensive weapons and firearms, which compromise the safety of the citizens of Ontario. It is imperative that law enforcement continue the fight against illegal firearms and those who choose to engage in their trafficking. The OPP is committed to a safe and secure Ontario and this investigation has prevented numerous illegal firearms, weapons and large quantities of drugs from reaching our communities, says OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood says the Barrie Police Investigative Services has been assisting the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Project WEAVER.
“Last week, the Barrie Police Tactical Support Unit was called on to execute the safe entry of a residence on Dunsmore Lane in the City of Barrie. The collaborative focus on public safety is something that law enforcement encompasses in Ontario every day,” she says. “We know organized crime has no boundaries and police services frequently work together to provide necessary resources to ensure community safety. I commend the OPP and everyone involved in this investigation and know that collectively we contribute to making Ontario and Barrie a safer place for everyone.”
Upon arrest, three of the accused were held in custody.
The remainder were released with conditions and are expected to appear at an Ontario Court of Justice in London on March 19th.
Photos via the OPP
Great work done by all law enforcement partners involved – collaboration leads to safer communities across Ontario. https://t.co/lDRtKpFJ5E
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) March 18, 2021