POLICE seize guns, drugs, pills and other prohibited items in seizures.
An Etobicoke man is behind bars after the RCMP smashed a ring that used Canada Post to move and sell cocaine across Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador.
A probe dubbed Project Barnacle has been underway since January 18, when the RCMP in Newfoundland executed search warrants against five homes in Etobicoke, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Cpl. Jolene Garland said in a release.
One man was arrested and three kilograms of cocaine were seized at the Etobicoke home, the Mounties said.
In St. John’s a man and woman were arrested and a kilogram of cocaine was seized by police, along with some cash and electronic devices.
Cpl. Jolene Garland said the investigation “has significantly disrupted a highly organized group of individuals involved in inter-provincial drug trafficking and money laundering.”
Garland said police on February 11 served another five search warrants to residences, including homes in Etobicoke and Mississauga.
“With drugs come violence and other criminal activities that are a threat to our communities,” said Inspector Stefan Thoms, Officer in Charge of RCMP Newfoundland Federal Serious and Organized Crime.
“Project Barnacle reflects our priority to combat this threat through the disruption of the organized crime groups responsible for the distribution of illegal drugs into this province,” Thoms said.
He said the force will continue to work to stop criminals and lay charges wherever appropriate.
The RCMP in Ontario arrested two men and a woman in Project Barnacle, who were charged with drug related crimes.
They also seized from the Etobicoke home about $10,000 in cash, a vehicle, financial documents, electronic devices and other items of the drug trade.
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador seized a stolen Glock handgun, five long guns, semi-automatic rifle, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, 12 pounds of MDMA (ecstasy), one of the largest such seizures in the province, $250,000 in cash, nine vehicles: including a five-ton truck, pick ups and ATVS, two credit card readers, high-end jewellery and financial documents.