TORONTO — The medication seized within the largest cocaine bust in Toronto police historical past have the “hallmarks” of a infamous Mexican cartel, officers mentioned Tuesday, expressing hope that their investigation dealt a blow to its native operations.
TORONTO — The medication seized within the largest cocaine bust in Toronto police historical past have the “hallmarks” of a infamous Mexican cartel, officers mentioned Tuesday, expressing hope that their investigation dealt a blow to its native operations.
Police introduced the 835-kilogram seizure at their headquarters, from a podium crowded out by baggage and containers they instructed had been full of cocaine.
Chief Myron Demkiw mentioned the cocaine had the “hallmarks” of the Jalisco New Technology Cartel, thought of one of many world’s most violent and prolific drug trafficking operations.
“These medication travelled all the way in which from Mexico, over the US’ southern border, then made their manner right here to Canada, the place we stopped and seized them,” he mentioned at Tuesday’s information convention.
Police mentioned the investigation dates again to August 2024 after they realized of a plan to make use of a delivery firm to maneuver medication throughout the border.
Greater than half of the seized cocaine, 475 kilograms, got here from a single tractor trailer from Mexico stopped on the Canadian facet of the border with the US, police mentioned. The remainder was seized in searches of alleged stash homes across the similar time, mentioned Supt. Paul MacIntyre.
“Hopefully we actually did some injury to them with this. Definitely, they’ll proceed, however this can harm them. This may sting a bit,” he mentioned.
Police allege the six individuals arrested, together with two from Mexico and 4 Canadians, are “high-level” drug distributors. Investigators proceed to seek for one man from Niagara Falls, and two others from Mexico who’re believed to have fled Canada.
The drug bust announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian items, citing partly the circulate of medication throughout the border.
Demkiw instructed the “overwhelming majority” of weapons utilized in Toronto crimes had been smuggled from the US. He mentioned police had been “laser centered” on cracking down on the circulate of illicit merchandise throughout the border.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Jan. 21, 2025.
Jordan Omstead, The Canadian Press
