Largest Cocaine Seizure in TPS History

A five-month investigation has resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in Toronto Police Service’s history preventing violence and saving lives across the country.

Over 835 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of about $83 million was seized during Project Castillo that started in August 2024.

At a news conference at police headquarters on January 21, Chief Myron Demkiw said the drugs seized have alleged ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

“This investigation required months of effort,” he said. “I can tell you that getting 835 kilograms of cocaine off our streets will make a huge difference for the well-being of our communities.

“And not only our communities in Toronto but across the country, as we know that some of these drugs were destined for other regions, from Newfoundland to British Columbia. When we get illicit drugs off our streets, we literally save lives. We protect people, we prevent violence and we break up criminal networks. This will always be our top priority.”

Led by TPS Drug Squad Major Projects section, the investigation also involved York Regional Police, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Windsor Border Integrity Unit and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO).

“The collaboration with CBSA and the RCMP is important here because we know that these drugs travelled all the way from Mexico, over the United States southern border and here to Canada where we stopped and seized them,” said Demkiw.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our partners and the incredible members of the Toronto Police Drug Squad as well as the sworn and civilian members who work with them. This type of work takes courage, dedication and teamwork which time and time again our members demonstrate as they serve our communities. Long days, time away from your families and putting service before self is what I know you do each and every day and we are grateful for that. Thank you for what you do. You truly are incredible people and incredible members of Toronto Police.”

Demkiw also thanked the Ontario Government, the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the CISO for helping to make this investigation possible.

“Collaboration is critical to effective policing, so let’s keep working together to deliver even more results in the weeks and months to come,” he added.

Michael Kerzner, the province’s Solicitor General, congratulated law enforcement and their partners on the historic drug seizure, adding it demonstrates that investing in police pays off.

“Through this strategic effort, they stopped dangerous and harmful drugs from reaching our streets and dealt a major blow to organized crime,” he said. “Today’s announcement is a direct result of their skilled professionalism and hardwork. To do their work and to keep us safe, law enforcement needs the tools and resources to do their jobs safely and effectively as possible.”

With assistance from CBSA and the RCMP, an 18-wheeler truck was intercepted at the Canada-U.S border on October 15.

Officers discovered 475 kilos of cocaine concealed in the vehicle. The remaining drugs were seized after police executed warrants at stash houses.

The truck and its cargo were part of a larger transnational drug trafficking operation originating in Mexico.

Organized Crime Enforcement Superintendent Paul MacIntrye said a seizure of this magnitude cannot be understated.

“It represents a blow to organized crime and a meaningful step in protecting the safety and well-being of not only Toronto’s residents, but communities across Canada,” he noted. “Illicit drugs, like cocaine, are not simply commodities for criminal enterprises. They are drivers of violence, addiction and tragedy in our communities. By removing over 835 kilograms of cocaine from circulation, we have directly disrupted the supply chain and created a ripple effect.”

After the seizure, MacIntyre said the street price of cocaine in Canada surged by nearly 20 per cent, signaling a direct impact on the distribution networks.

“The reduced accessibility means fewer opportunities for these drugs to enter and infiltrate vulnerable communities,” he pointed out. “As you know, the illicit drug supply fuels Canada’s ongoing public health crisis. Each kilogram of cocaine removed from our streets represents lives potentially saved from overdose.

MacIntyre also added that drug trafficking is also inseparably linked to gun violence and organized crime.

“Seizures like this weaken the financial powers of criminal organizations and disrupt their operations,” he said.

A total of six individuals, including four Canadians and two Mexican nationals who entered Canada legally as visitors have been arrested.

Arrest warrants have been issued for 60-year-old Robert Nolin of Niagara Falls who police believe is in Canada and Alexis Arroyo and Marco Riviera, both 31, who are thought to be in Mexico.

If located and captured in Mexico, extradition proceedings will be initiated to bring them to Canada as the two countries have an extradition treaty.