Individuals ranging from low-level truckers acting as couriers to high-ranking brokers managing an international drug scheme have been arrested in one of the biggest drug seizure operations in Ontario, according to provincial police.
The results of the 18-month Project Bay investigation were revealed on Thursday in Windsor by various police agencies across Ontario.
Around 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs, primarily cocaine and methamphetamines, were confiscated. Their street value is estimated at $139 million.
“The drugs in this room are not ending up in the hands of our communities’ vulnerable population,” said Windsor police Chief Jason Crowley. “The firearms in this room are not sowing chaos in our communities.”
Police also took possession of 17 weapons, including a large anti-tank rifle.
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Andy Bradford is Ontario Provincial Police’s acting detective superintendent and director of the organized crime enforcement bureau. ( )
“It is very rare,” said Andy Bradford, OPP acting detective superintendent. “This is a military ordinance. It has no legitimate civilian application.
“The fact that it [was] in the hands of organized drug traffickers is a concerning public safety issue.”
Over 20 search warrants were executed across Ontario during the past two months. Nineteen individuals were taken into custody and face more than 100 charges. Most of those arrested came from Brampton, while others resided in places like Toronto, Kitchener, and Barrie.
The two outstanding individuals are from Windsor.
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Nearly $139 worth of illegal drugs and 17 firearms were among the items police seized as part of Project Bay. (Camille Cottais/Radio-Canada)
Toronto police soon discovered they were tracking down the same suspects as those involved with Project Bay.
This resulted in Toronto police teaming up with Peel Regional Police Service to join forces with Windsor police, OPP, and CBSA for a more extensive investigation.
Since authorities say that some seized drugs had links to parts of southwestern U. S., both the Department of Homeland Security and Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with Project Bay as well.
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At a news conference Thursday, Windsor police Chief Jason Crowley provided details about Project Bay that originated from their city. (Camille Cottais/Radio-Canada)>
The Project Bay investigation is mostly finished now but authorities hope that information collected will lead to additional arrests and seizures down the line.>
“This type of work matters greatly for our community here in Windsor,” remarked Crowley. “As a border city, we’re not just tackling local crime – we’re dealing with crime crossing international borders.”>
Certain drugs were also detected at Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia, Ont., according to CBSA./>
With Gordie Howe International Bridge set to open on Monday, CBSA plans on monitoring changes in traffic patterns while utilizing new technology aimed at detecting illegal substances at borders./>
“On a positive note, it’s going to be one of our most advanced ports for entry regarding technology, detection equipment, personnel capabilities at that location for intercepting narcotics, firearms and other items,” explained Michael Prosia, CBSA regional director general for southern Ontario region./>
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Investigation began in Windsor last year
The drug seizures wrap up what started as a Windsor police investigation into drug trafficking back in January 2025. This quickly led local officers to realize the investigation’s larger scope, prompting collaboration with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). By early 2026, Toronto Police Service was looking into criminal networks within the Greater Toronto Area.Caught using commercial transport: police
The inquiry revealed a “broker-style model within the commercial transportation sector” where drivers “knowingly transport concealed drugs within commercial loads,” noted Bradford.> “I want to be clear that most individuals and businesses operating within trucking and transportation are law-abiding professionals who play an essential role in our economy,” stated Bradford.> “However, criminal networks will try to exploit any weakness they see to further their illegal activities.”>Source link
