By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2025-01-21 23:55:07 | Updated at 2025-01-22 04:27:55
4 hours ago
Canadian authorities seized $83 million worth of cocaine that initially flowed into the country from the Mexico-US border – the largest of its kind in Toronto’s history, officials announced Tuesday.
The record-breaking bust with alleged ties to a notorious cartel resulted in more than 835 kilograms of the drug being confiscated after an investigation, dubbed Project Castillo, started last August.
Law enforcement has arrested six suspects allegedly involved in the drug trafficking and are on the hunt for another three alleged perps.
Chief Myron Demkiw stands behind the results of the Project Castillo investigation. Kevin Masterman / TPS“We know that these drugs traveled all the way from Mexico over the United States southern border and then made their way to Canada where we stopped and seized them,” Toronto police service chief Myron Demkiw said during a press conference.
“I can tell you that getting 835 kilograms off of the street will make a huge difference in the well-being of our communities.”
Tens of millions dollars of cocaine was seized. Kevin Masterman / TPSAn 18-wheeler truck was intercepted at the Canadian-US border on October 15 that had about 475 kilos of cocaine hidden within the big rig and the rest of the drugs were taken from stash houses thanks to multiple agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The drugs are allegedly connected to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, authorities said. The gang is based in Mexico and is known for carrying out gruesome crimes.
Organized Crime Enforcement Superintendent Paul MacIntrye called the bust a “blow to organized crime.” The street price of cocaine in Canada soared 20%, indicating the seizure had a direct impact, he said.
“Seizures like this weaken the financial powers of criminal organizations and disrupt their operations,” he said.
Six alleged traffickers, two from Mexico and four from Canada, were arrested and charged with related crimes as a result of the probe.
Police are still looking to capture a Niagara Falls resident and another two suspects who are believed to be in Mexico.
