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(Updated) Nine Hamilton homes were raided by Toronto Police this morning, as part of an anti-gang investigation called Project Pharaoh.
Toronto Police executed 50 search warrants in total in the greater Toronto-Hamilton area. Among the Hamilton homes was a residence on Birch Ave in the north end, and on Trenholme Cres on the east mountain.
Residents told CHCH News they saw flashing lights and they saw multiple cars on the streets. Others say they just saw a police cruiser, although nobody actually witnessed police going into the home. However residents say 91 Trendholme was raided this past winter.
More than a dozen officers descended on the Birch Ave house around 5:00 am. Witnesses say a man was arrested at that house and that several boxes were removed by police.
The gang involved, the Monstarz, is said to be sophisticated and is also being investigated for homicide. At a media conference this morning, Toronto Police inspector Brian Bott explained why the raids were so widespread. “Obviously with the warrants we have done this morning it has taken us outside Toronto to Hamilton and other jurisdictions. I think that speaks to their sophistication.”
“The amount of weapons we have seized, or have not seized at this point also might relate to their sophistication level. I don’t think we’re dealing with a street level corner gang, I think we are dealing with a mid-level gang.”
35,000 kilograms of cocaine were seized in all and $45,000 in cash. Toronto Police are expected to release more details tomorrow.
They did say Hamilton Police was made aware of the raids.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misidentified the portion of Hamilton where the Birch Ave raid occurred. Thanks to those readers who pointed out the error.
