Halton police recover $5M in service’s largest meth seizure

In the largest methamphetamine seizure in their history, Halton police have charged two men and recovered about $5 million worth of illegal drugs.

Early this year, Halton police partnered with Waterloo in an investigation called “Project Jester” focused on a network of individuals believed to be involved in the importation and distribution of illicit substances within the GTA.

On March 27, officers stopped a vehicle heading towards Quebec and found the driver of the vehicle, Taleb Saleh, in possession of a large quantity of illegal drugs.

On May 7, a traffic stop was initiated at a commercial location in Brampton, where investigators located a significant amount of illicit drugs in a vehicle being operated by Sukhveer Birring.

As a result of the investigation, 20 kilograms of cocaine and 273 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized, making the methamphetamine seizure the largest in Halton police’s history.

“This investigation reflects the dedication of law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and dismantle criminal operations,” says Jeff Hill, Halton police deputy chief.

Police say the estimated combined street value of cocaine and methamphetamine is $5 million.

READ MORE: OPP arrest four, seize $4.7M worth of drugs during multi-jurisdictional investigation

Taleb Saleh, 36, of Mississauga has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.

Sukhveer Birring, 33, of Brampton is facing four charges including the purpose of trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine.

Both Saleh and Birring were held in custody pending their respective bail hearings in Milton.

“The individuals involved in this trafficking network will face the full consequences of their actions and we will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities,” Hill says.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the authorities at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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