A resident of Stoney Creek is one of 11 individuals facing a total of 214 charges after a lengthy investigation into suspected drug and gun trafficking.
The 22-year-old is still on the run, alongside another person from North York. Nine others from London and Toronto have been taken into custody and charged.
London police began looking into rising gun violence in the fall of 2024, which expanded into a larger investigation called Project ALIAS, conducted with support from provincial police and various federal agencies.
The Hamilton Police Service Emergency Response Unit was part of over 15 national, provincial, and municipal teams involved in Project ALIAS. Investigators pinpointed several criminal networks that were allegedly able to procure illegal firearms and high-capacity magazines, as well as significant amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.
Authorities stated that operations like this are crucial, particularly for Hamilton, which has faced challenges related to drugs and firearms.
“Last year we had 290 crime guns seized in the city – this year we’re up to 13, but the good news is, in relation to those guns being used on our streets, our shooting investigations have been successfully able to mitigate some of the negative impacts of that gun crime in the city,” said Hamilton Police Supt. Marty Schulenberg. “So far this year, we have no shooting investigations.”
“Project ALIAS demonstrates what can be achieved when police services work together to target those who bring violence and illegal drugs into our communities,” said Det. Insp. Jeff Brazeau with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The OPP noted that while multiple criminal networks were identified during the probe, these individuals do not appear to be linked to any single recognized organized crime group or network.
Police say the 31 crime guns seized during their investigation were traced back to sources in the United States (Photo Courtesy of Ontario Provincial Police).
As investigators looked deeper into the roles played by individuals within these networks, they discovered that while most activities revolved around drug and firearm trafficking within Ontario, two suspects were reportedly involved in sourcing firearms from across the border.
“As the investigation progressed, investigators were able to source firearms originated in the United States – ultimately being trafficked in the London area,” said Brazeau.
Detectives confirmed that many seized crime guns came from U. S. states including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio and Virginia.
The identified criminal networks were also believed to be engaged in significant domestic trafficking involving large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.
Officers indicated that initial analysis of seized fentanyl suggested it was mixed with other substances despite having relatively high purity levels. Authorities determined it wasn’t pure fentanyl and its potency varied considerably.
The estimated street value for all drugs confiscated exceeds $2 million. Officials mentioned that seizing 12.5 kg of fentanyl translates to approximately 125,000 potentially deadly street-level doses – enough to endanger about a quarter of London’s population.
Police report seizing several items throughout their inquiry including 12.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and other narcotics worth tens of thousands (Photo Courtesy of Ontario Provincial Police).
On January 14th , law enforcement executed 14 search warrants at residences and vehicles located in London and Toronto. The following items were recovered along with estimated quantities:
31 crime guns 25 prohibited devices such as overcapacity magazines and auto switches Imitation firearm 12.5 kg suspected fentanyl 4.5 kg suspected cocaine 275 oxycodone pills 460 hydromorphone pills 75 alprazolam pills $64 ,000 Two vehicles tied to offenses High-end jewelry Cell phones along with electronic gadgets
The name of the Stoney Creek resident is being kept confidential; officials only disclose names if there’s an immediate threat to public safety.
Hamilton police also emphasized that fentanyl continues presenting difficulties for them as it keeps surpassing other cities regarding opioid-related poisonings and fatalities.
If anyone has information concerning illegal firearms or issues related to manufacturing or distributing illicit drugs they should reach out to OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
If you want your tip kept anonymous , contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
: Police lay charges in 2025 shooting at central Hamilton business
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Police report seizing several items throughout their inquiry including 12.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and other narcotics worth tens of thousands (Photo Courtesy of Ontario Provincial Police).
On January 14th , law enforcement executed 14 search warrants at residences and vehicles located in London and Toronto. The following items were recovered along with estimated quantities:
31 crime guns 25 prohibited devices such as overcapacity magazines and auto switches Imitation firearm 12.5 kg suspected fentanyl 4.5 kg suspected cocaine 275 oxycodone pills 460 hydromorphone pills 75 alprazolam pills $64 ,000 Two vehicles tied to offenses High-end jewelry Cell phones along with electronic gadgets
The name of the Stoney Creek resident is being kept confidential; officials only disclose names if there’s an immediate threat to public safety.
Hamilton police also emphasized that fentanyl continues presenting difficulties for them as it keeps surpassing other cities regarding opioid-related poisonings and fatalities.
If anyone has information concerning illegal firearms or issues related to manufacturing or distributing illicit drugs they should reach out to OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
If you want your tip kept anonymous , contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
: Police lay charges in 2025 shooting at central Hamilton business
Source link
