Toronto police say approximately $700,000 in drugs and $60,000 in cash have been seized as part of a drug investigation in partnership with Ottawa police.
The investigation, dubbed Project Moses, into the trafficking of drugs and guns began in October.
On Thursday and Friday, police executed search warrants on homes and vehicles belonging to three co-accused.
As a result, around $250,000 worth of powdered cocaine, $300,000 of fentanyl, $100,000 of heroin and $40,000 of marijuana were found by officers along with the cash. Investigators also seized several firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Toronto Police Drug Squad Insp. Steve Watts said the suspects hid the drugs and guns under false lids in concealed areas inside vehicles and in custom-built furniture. He said the number of guns seized by officers is particularly noteworthy.
“Of specific concern to me with this table is the amount of firearms in front of me that were all seized primarily from a couple of locations,” Watts said, referencing the evidence seized that was on display.
“These are being transported in vehicles that have concealed traps, so it’s easy access. It’s easy access to literally turn into a shooting, a homicide.
“Everyone watches Netflix, everyone watches the TV shows, so this is reality … Search warrants are always high-risk, uncontrolled situations behind closed doors at the best of times.”
Nicholas Ortega, a 42-year-old man from Ottawa, was arrested and charged with multiple firearm and drug offences.
Arrest warrants were issued for 34-year-old Vincent Yun-Hao Huang and 33-year-old Daniel Kam-Wah Siu, both of whom are from Toronto. They are wanted for multiple firearm and drug offences.