Six individuals from Kitchener, Ont., have been charged by York Regional Police as part of a cocaine trafficking probe.
In total, authorities seized 260 kilograms of cocaine valued at $20 million on the street.
Each of the six suspects faces multiple charges, including possession and unlawful importation of a schedule one substance, conspiracy, and possession of proceeds from crime exceeding $5,000.
The investigation by York police began in May when a shipment from Panama was intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) due to suspected cocaine content.
WATCH | Cocaine trafficking investigation leads to arrests of 6 Kitchener residents:
Cocaine trafficking investigation leads to arrests of 6 Kitchener residents
Six individuals from Kitchener, Ont., have been charged by York Regional Police as part of a cocaine trafficking probe. In total, authorities seized 260 kilograms of cocaine valued at $20 million. York Regional Police Const. James Dickson shared more about Project Golden Frog and how it led law enforcement to Kitchener.
Further investigations revealed that the shipment was intended for someone connected to Kitchener.
A month later, on June 11, three suspects were arrested and police obtained a search warrant for a home and storage unit in Kitchener.
This search yielded “proceeds of crime,” including $2.5 million in cash.
On June 17, police searched another home and storage unit along with a business. This resulted in two additional arrests as well as more cash and what investigators believed was cocaine.
The final suspect was arrested on June 23 and charged accordingly.
The operation was named “Project Golden Frog,” with Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan stating in a release that it showcases the strong partnership between his police service and border officials.
“This seizure represents an important step in keeping our communities safe,” Hogan said.
York Regional Police searched multiple addresses in Kitchener during their investigation into the trafficking of cocaine. During those searches, they also seized millions of dollars in cash. (York Regional Police)
Two men aged 48 and 22 face charges for:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking. Unlawfully importing schedule one substance. Conspiracy to commit indictable offence. Possession of proceeds from crime worth over $5,000.
A single man aged 48 has been charged with:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking. Unlawfully importing schedule one substance. Conspiracy to commit indictable offence.
Two men aged 36 and 33 are facing charges for:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking. Possession of proceeds from crime worth over $5,000.
A woman aged 47 has been charged with:
POSSSESSION OF PROCEEDS FROM CRIME WORTH OVER $5,000.
The police stated they are not looking for any more suspects related to this case.
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