Over 23 Arrested Across GTA in Major Fentanyl and Firearms Trafficking Operation
Law enforcement dismantles major GTA drug and gun trafficking network, seizing $7 million worth of fentanyl and 32 firearms in Operation Chatter.
Authorities announced the outcome of Project Chatter, a protracted undercover investigation that sought to disrupt what police described as a sophisticated criminal operation responsible for distributing dangerous narcotics and illegal guns across several communities in the Greater Toronto Area. In a detailed briefing, officials highlighted the scope and seriousness of the alleged offenses, emphasizing the risks posed by both fentanyl—a potent synthetic opioid at the center of Canada’s ongoing overdose crisis—and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Throughout the course of the probe, law enforcement officials coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions, ultimately executing 15 targeted search warrants. These operations took place in a range of locations spanning from Richmond Hill to Niagara Falls, with officers seizing evidence believed to be linked to an organized network trafficking in illicit substances and weapons.
As a result of these raids, 23 individuals were taken into custody. Authorities confirmed that the accused are now facing over 300 criminal charges, which include serious counts such as drug trafficking, firearm-related offenses, and participating in organized crime. Officials stated that these charges reflect the scope of the alleged activities and their impact on public safety within the affected communities.
The evidence collected during Project Chatter is significant: 32 illegal firearms were recovered, along with more than 700,000 doses of fentanyl, a quantity with an estimated street value exceeding $7 million. In addition, police seized large sums of cash—over $130,000 in Canadian currency and $18,000 in U.S. funds. Investigators noted that the volume of drugs and weapons found underscores the level of threat posed by the network under investigation.
Officials praised the collaborative effort among various police services and underscored the dangers that the arrested individuals allegedly posed due to their involvement in the trafficking of highly addictive substances and firearms. Law enforcement representatives reiterated their commitment to dismantling such operations, citing the crucial importance of tackling organized crime and protecting the safety of residents throughout the GTA.
