Disrupting Street Gang
A significant inter-provincial firearms and drug investigation has yielded nine guns and a large quantity of drugs and cash and disrupted a Toronto gang.
The 11-month investigation – Project Foxxx – led by the Toronto Police Service’s (TPS) Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force – also led to the arrest of 32 people who are facing 158 charges.
“This operation marks an important step in our efforts to disrupt organized crime and its impact on our communities,” Deputy Chief Rob Johnson said at a news conference at police headquarters on August 15. “The investigation demonstrates the importance of inter-agency co-operation and the dedication of our officers and partners. Together, we are committed to disrupting these criminal networks and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
The investigation targeted the Jamestown Crips members who have been involved in the illegal possession of firearms.
Many of them, police allege, have engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs across Ontario, Manitoba and Newfoundland & Labrador.
The trafficking operations included the use of Canada Post to distribute drugs in other provinces, concealing the drugs in other items.
Between April and July 2024, officers executed 35 search warrants across the Greater Toronto Area and in Thompson, Manitoba.
“Gangs operate with a total disregard for the safety and well-being of others,” said Inspector Paul Krawczyk of the Integrated Guns & Gangs Task Force. “Their criminal activities endanger innocent lives and destabilize communities. We are taking decisive action to remove these dangerous elements from our streets.”
With arrests made in Manitoba and outside the GTA, Krawczyk noted that Toronto gangs are not just a local problem.
“Their influence is no longer confined to specific streets and areas in the city,” he said. “As we can see from this investigation and the map up on the screen, their criminal networks extend far beyond Toronto, reaching into other provinces and affecting communities across the country. This investigation affected areas like Thompson in Manitoba and St. John’s Newfoundland & Labrador. Their reach into these other cities spreads violence, drugs and fear. And we must do everything to stop them.”
In addition to the firearms, police seized 4.7 kilos of cocaine worth nearly $568,000 on the street and six kilos of meth worth approximately $480,000.
“We know drug trafficking fuels addiction, violence and crime,” said Johnson. “We will continue to work diligently, leveraging all available resources and partnerships. We will not let criminal gangs, firearms or drugs undermine the safety and quality of life in our city.”
Among the group arrested is a 16-year-old from Paris, Ontario who is facing several charges, including possession of a loaded firearm.
Krawczyk said further proceedings are underway for five others.
“We are working with their legal counsel to have them turn themselves in,” added Krawczyk.
Project Foxx was launched in September 2023 with funding by the Criminal Intelligence Services of Ontario.
TPS partnered with York Regional Police, Peel Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police to disrupt the drug and firearm trafficking network.
Full media conference:
