Police say a large-scale cocaine trafficking ring has been dismantled in Niagara Region and more than $200,000 in cash and drugs seized after a six-month investigation dubbed Project Icarus involving more than 100 officers from five jurisdictions.
Niagara Regional Police launched the joint forces investigation in March with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency and Halton Police Service.
READ MORE: GTA drug trafficking probe nets 27 arrests, seizure of drugs, firearms and cash
Police said they uncovered evidence of a “large cocaine trafficking ring” based in the region, with ties to suspects in the Greater Toronto Area.
On Wednesday morning, 110 officers from the various police services executed 13 search and arrest warrants in Welland, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Oakville and Niagara Falls, Ont.
READ MORE: Police charge 55 in massive drug ring targeting Ontario First Nations communities
Investigators seized $25,000 worth of drugs, $25,000 worth of stolen property, about $175,000 in cash, a 2011 Mercedes Benz S63 worth $40,000, a handgun and 10 other firearms, switchblades, brass knuckles and multiple electronic devices.
Eight people were charged in the raids and were scheduled to appear in a St. Catharines court on Wednesday:
- Trump fined again in hush money trial, judge calls jail ‘last resort’
- Overwhelmed with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse
- B.C. Sikh leader ‘vindicated’ by arrest of Indian nationals in Nijjar killing
- How toy guns brandished by Ontario youth in ‘assassins game’ is prompting real fear
- Bradley Ray Foley, 41, of Niagara Falls, Ont., has been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine, trafficking cocaine and two counts of possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
- Shane Moore, 33, of St. Catharines, Ont., has been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine, trafficking cocaine, assault causing bodily harm, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a prohibited handgun, possession of a firearm contrary to a probation order, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
- Melita Odzackic, 33, of Fort Erie, Ont., has been charged with possession of a prohibited handgun and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
- Jason Smith, 41, of Port Colborne, Ont., has been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine, trafficking cocaine, careless storage of a firearm, careless storage of ammunition, possession of firearms contrary to a prohibition order, possession of a prohibited firearm magazine and possession of marijuana.
- James Ward, 40, of Welland, Ont., has been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
- Melina Popovich, 35, of Welland, Ont., has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
- Kurt Schwinges, 39, of Niagara Falls, Ont., has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000 and possession of GHB.
- Kenneth Kupper, 34, of Welland, Ont., has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests, charges and evidence are expected to be announced.
Comments