Investigators with the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit (GGDEU) have charged 23 suspects following Project Chatter, an investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl and firearms within York Region and elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The investigation began in October 2024, when it was reported that an individual was involved in the trafficking of controlled substances across the GTA. Over seven months, the GGDEU investigated this sophisticated drug and firearm trafficking network, identifying key members and dismantling the organization.
In total, 15 search warrants were executed in Richmond Hill, Toronto, Ajax, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga and Niagara Falls all linked to this network. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 23 individuals, who now face a total of more than 300 charges related to drug trafficking, firearm possession, and organized crime activities.
Investigators recovered 32 illegal firearms and a large quantity of drugs, including over 700,000 doses of fentanyl with a street value of over $7 million, and seized more than $130,000 in Canadian currency and $18,000 in American currency.
For a list of charges, see the attachment below.
The successful completion of this lengthy investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, which supported this investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs, and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
June 4, 2025
