Organizational News
Project Castillo: Largest Seizure of Cocaine in Toronto Police Service History
The Toronto Police Service has announced the largest project seizure of cocaine in its history, confiscating more than 835 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $83 million as part of "Project Castillo.”
“Seizing 835 kilograms of cocaine—the largest cocaine seizure in TPS history—is about more than numbers; it’s about saving lives and making our communities safer,” said Chief Myron Demkiw. “Taking these drugs off our streets prevents violence, protects lives, and dismantles dangerous criminal networks. This impact is only possible through the dedication of our members and the invaluable collaboration of our partners.”
"Project Castillo” was an extensive joint forces investigation into drug importation and trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
"Today’s historic drug bust - the largest ever for Toronto - shows that investing in police pays off,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "Thanks to exemplary work by our police officers, they're exposing and dismantling these dangerous criminal networks and holding those responsible accountable for their illegal activities. Our government will never waiver in protecting the people of Ontario from illegal drugs to ensure our streets are safe."
The investigation began in August 2024 and was led by the Toronto Police Service Drug Squad – Major Projects, with assistance from York Regional Police, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the RCMP Windsor Border Integrity Unit.
"Project Castillo demonstrates the power of collaboration to protect our communities,” said Superintendent Paul MacIntyre of Organized Crime Enforcement. “The results of Project Castillo have struck a significant blow to organized crime while reducing the harm these drugs cause in neighbourhoods across Canada. This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to community safety."
The success of this ongoing investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this Joint Forces investigation.
The press conference is available to view on YouTube.
Highlights of Project Castillo:
- Execution of multiple search warrants across the GTA
- Seizure of 835 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $83 million
- Arrest of six individuals, including two Mexican nationals and four Canadians
- Issuance of arrest warrants for three additional suspects
Arrests and Charges:
Jorge Luis MUNDO GARCIA, 31, Mexican National, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance I of Trafficking
He was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice Toronto Region, on November 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in room 402.
Jimenez Avila RODOLFO, 28, Mexican National, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000, Criminal Code
He was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice Toronto Region, on November 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in room 402.
Adriana Alexandra JIRON ZELEDON, 20, of Markham, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
She was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice Toronto Region, on November 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in room 402.
Omar FAIR, 37, of Mississauga, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on October 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in room 402.
Marlon MATTHEWS, 45, of Mississauga, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on October 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in room 402.
Kevin Chaves FIGUEIREDO, 32, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, on November 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in room 402.
Warrants in the First Instance have been issued for:
1. Alexis ARROYO, 31, of Mexico, for:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Trafficking Schedule I
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
2. Marco RIVERA, 31, of Mexico, for:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Trafficking Schedule I
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
3. Robert NOLIN, 60, of Niagara Falls, for:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Trafficking Schedule I
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
Images of the suspects have been released.
