Lethal Drugs and High-Capacity Handgun Seized
A six-month drug trafficking investigation led to the seizure of a loaded semi-automatic handgun and overcapacity magazine and a significant quantity of drugs.
Project Mota targeted individuals suspected of distributing controlled substances throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The investigation revealed that suspects were using storage lockers and a vehicle equipped with a sophisticated hydraulic trap to conceal narcotics.
On July 10 during search warrants executed at storage facilities in Toronto and Mississauga, police seized over two kilos of carfentanil, more than one kilo of fentanyl and over five kilos of cocaine.
“These drugs have been at the centre of the ongoing opioid crisis which continues to claim lives and devastate communities across our city and our country more broadly,” said Inspector Kathlin Seremetkovski of the Organized Crime Enforcement Drug Squad. “To understand the true danger of these drugs, just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is roughly a few grains of salt, can be fatal for the average person. Carfentanil is even more lethal with fatal effects possible from amounts measured in micrograms that is less than a grain of salt. This potency poses a risk not only to those who suffer from drug addiction and users, but to the public and police.”
The semi-automatic handgun was fitted with a 50-round drum magazine and investigators also seized more than 600 rounds of ammunition.
“The seizure of this firearm and ammunition from our streets further contributes to public safety and reduces the risk of gun-related violence,” added Seremetkovski. “The success of Project Mota directly enhances public safety and underscores the Drug Squad’s commitment to protecting our communities. This outcome was made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple units, including Intelligence Services, the Auto Squad and the Emergency Task Force. I want to thank everyone that was involved.”
Police arrested five people who face several charges, including drug trafficking and the unauthorized possession of a firearm.
