19 Arrested in Major Ontario Drug Bust, 1.7 Tonnes of Narcotics Seized

Canadian authorities have arrested 19 people and seized almost 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs in a major operation targeting an alleged international trafficking network in Ontario.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said two additional suspects remain wanted in connection with the investigation, known as Project Bay. The operation focused on a network allegedly using the commercial trucking industry to move large quantities of narcotics across the Canada-US border, with several accused reportedly working as truck drivers.

The probe was launched in January 2025 by the Windsor Police Service following information about suspected drug trafficking. The Canada Border Services Agency joined the investigation the following month, while the OPP and other law enforcement bodies subsequently became involved.

According to investigators, the suspected network relied on a broker-based system within the commercial transportation sector. Drivers were allegedly arranged to transport illegal shipments hidden among legitimate goods moving through established supply chains.

Police carried out 22 searches between June 25 and July 20 at properties in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton, Kleinburg, Markham and Caledon.

The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 973 kg of cocaine, 660 kg of methamphetamine and 49 kg of opium, as well as 230 oxycodone tablets. Officers also recovered 17 firearms, cash in Canadian and US currencies, expensive jewellery, money-counting machines, 43 mobile phones, six laptops and a vehicle.

The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value exceeding C$139 million (around US$97 million), making the case one of the largest drug seizures by weight in Ontario, according to police.

OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart said the operation had dealt a major setback to organised crime, disrupting the movement of illegal drugs and firearms across the border and helping prevent further harm to communities throughout Ontario.