21 charged, millions of dollars in drugs seized in major Canadian bust

Max Reinhart, The Detroit News on Jul 23, 2026

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Canadian officers have seized more than $101.5 million worth of illegal drugs, plus electronics and an anti-tank rifle, in what officials called one of the biggest single-investigation seizures in Ontario's history.

The investigation, dubbed Project Bay, focused on disrupting Canada's international drug trade and included support from U.S. agencies, the Canada Border Services Agency said in a press release.

In serving search warrants on June 25, July 14 and July 20, authorities seized large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, plus high-end jewelry and thousands of dollars in American and Canadian cash. Officers also recovered phones, laptops and a vehicle used in the operation, as well as ammunition and firearms, including an anti-tank rifle, CBSA said.

In total, agents recovered 1.87 tons of illegal drugs.

“This seizure reflects the scale of criminal activity that crosses borders and impacts communities across Ontario," Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart said in a statement. "By removing more than a metric tonne of illegal drugs and multiple firearms from circulation, we have significantly disrupted the flow of harmful substances, prevented community harm and removed substantial profits from the criminal economy."

The trafficking operation used legitimate supply chains and established commercial transportation connections to smuggle drugs across Canada's borders, officials said.

On June 25, authorities executed 18 search warrants at homes and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg. On July 14, two more raids were conducted, in Markham and Caledon. Agents raided two more sites in Brampton on July 20.

Officers have arrested 19 people in connection with the trafficking ring while two other suspects remain at large with warrants issued for their arrest, officials said. Collectively, the suspects face 102 criminal counts.

The suspects range in age from 19-55. Three were remanded to law enforcement custody following bail hearings, one remains in jail on an unrelated matter and 13 others have been released as they await their next court appearance.

The investigation into the source of the drugs and the full scope of the trafficking network is still ongoing, authorities said.

Project Bay began in January 2025, with an investigation initiated by the Winsdor Police Service. It grew to include CBSA, OPP, border enforcement task forces and police from the City of Toronto and the regional municipality of Peel.

"Organized crime operates without regard for jurisdictional boundaries, and Project Bay demonstrates the impact of coordinated, interagency enforcement," Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich of the Peel Regional Police said in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Drug Enforcement Administration provided assistance with "international aspects of the investigation," the release states.

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