Niagara police joint-forces operation recovers stolen cars, guns and thousands in illegal drugs

Niagara police, the RCMP and the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario have ended a large-scale investigation into organized crime known as ‘Project Road King’ that recovered 38 stolen vehicles, 20 guns and hundreds of thousands in illegal drugs and Canadian currency.

The investigation began in August 2024 after information received by the Niagara Major Drugs and Gang Unit pointed to a drug trafficking operation with ties to the Niagara region. As the investigation continued, it became clear that the activity was part of a larger network operating across multiple jurisdictions.

By April of this year, the scope of the investigation had expanded significantly.

At that time, Project Road King became a joint forces operation led by Niagara police in partnership with the RCMP’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement, which also included Hamilton and Brantford police and the Canada Border Services Agency, with additional assistance from Halton police and support from both the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario and Équité Association, which works to tackle insurance fraud and crime.

Police say the primary focus was to dismantle networks responsible for large-scale drug trafficking while also addressing related criminal activity, including organized auto theft. Several stolen vehicles were intercepted at shipping areas meant for international export.

In total, 30 individuals were arrested with 213 charges laid and over CDN $500,000 was seized. They ranged in age from 22 to 54 years.

Curtis Gravelle, 31, and Samantha Gravelle, 27, both of Welland, Tim Gravelle, 36, of Pelham and Brandon Barreira, 31, of Hamilton are some of the people charged.

Both Curtis and Tim Gravelle and Brandon Barreira remain in custody.  The remaining 27 accused, including two men from Montreal, were released on various forms.

VIDEO: Niagara police, as part of a joint forces operation, will provide details on ‘Project Road King,’ an extensive investigation spanning across Ontario that resulted in the seizure of firearms, controlled substances, stolen vehicles and cash in Niagara, Hamilton and Toronto.