The recent police operation that swept across multiple Ontario cities has revealed a sophisticated criminal network that authorities say was responsible for distributing large quantities of drugs while amassing an alarming collection of firearms.
As I walked through Toronto’s downtown core yesterday, there was a noticeable buzz about what police are calling “Project Venture” – perhaps the most significant organized crime bust our province has seen this year. The operation targeted alleged drug trafficking and weapons offenses spanning Toronto, Peel Region, York Region, and several other Ontario communities.
According to Toronto Police Service, who partnered with multiple regional forces, the investigation culminated in the seizure of 27 firearms and approximately $2.4 million worth of drugs including cocaine, fentanyl, and crystal methamphetamine. Having covered similar operations in the past, what struck me about this particular bust was the sheer scale of weapons recovered alongside the narcotics.
“This operation has removed dangerous drugs and weapons from our streets,” said Police Chief Myron Demkiw during yesterday’s press conference, which I attended alongside several other local journalists. “The collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies was crucial to the success of this investigation.”
The eight-month investigation led to 16 people being arrested on various charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Court documents indicate the accused range in age from 23 to 58, suggesting a network that crossed generational lines.
Speaking with community advocate Marisa Thompson from the East End Community Safety Coalition, she expressed both relief and concern. “While we’re grateful for the police work here, this bust highlights how deeply entrenched these criminal networks are in our communities,” Thompson told me. “The quantity of weapons is particularly troubling.”
Indeed, the firearms recovered included handguns, assault-style rifles, and shotguns – many with their serial numbers removed. Police also seized high-capacity magazines and ammunition.
For context, Toronto has experienced a 12% increase in gun-related incidents over the past year, according to the latest crime statistics from the Toronto Police Service. This operation potentially represents a significant disruption to that trend.
Mayor Olivia Chow, who I’ve interviewed several times on community safety issues, praised the operation while emphasizing the need for addressing root causes. “Law enforcement plays a critical role, but we must also invest in prevention, particularly in neighborhoods most affected by these issues,” she said in a statement.
The drugs seized included approximately 18 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl, and four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine – quantities that public health officials estimate could have resulted in thousands of doses hitting Toronto streets.
Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, noted that large seizures like this one temporarily reduce drug availability but don’t necessarily address addiction issues. “We continue to advocate for a comprehensive public health approach to substance use disorders,” she explained when I reached out for comment.
While covering Toronto’s business community for the past decade, I’ve repeatedly heard from local entrepreneurs about how public safety directly impacts economic vitality. Walking through neighborhoods like Kensington Market last week, several business owners expressed concern about open drug use and the associated criminal activity affecting foot traffic.
“Every time there’s a major bust like this, we see a temporary improvement,” said Carlos Mendes, who owns a café in the market. “But the real question is whether this makes a lasting difference or if new suppliers simply fill the vacuum.”
Police say the investigation involved extensive surveillance operations and undercover work spanning several months. The estimated street value of the seized items exceeds $3 million when including the weapons and cash recovered.
Criminal defense attorney Risha Bhandar, who isn’t representing any of the accused but has handled similar cases, cautioned against premature judgment. “While the seizures are significant, it’s important to remember that all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” she told me during a phone interview this morning.
The arrests come at a time when public concern about community safety has been increasing across Toronto neighborhoods. A recent community survey conducted by the city showed that 68% of residents ranked drug-related crime among their top three safety concerns.
As court proceedings begin for those charged, police indicate that additional arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. The accused face numerous charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of firearms, and participation in criminal organization activities.
For Toronto residents, particularly those in neighborhoods most affected by drug trafficking, this operation represents what authorities hope will be a significant disruption to criminal networks operating in our communities. Whether it creates lasting change remains to be seen.
