Police seize nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs in Ontario bust

In Windsor on Thursday, police announced that a multi-jurisdictional, cross-border investigation resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs, marking one of the most significant drug seizures in a single investigation in Ontario.

The illegal substances include suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and opium valued at over $139 million.

Officers say this intelligence-led joint forces investigation, named Project Bay, focused on disrupting the importation and trafficking of illegal drugs with a nexus to the international border.

In January 2025, the Windsor police initiated a drug-trafficking investigation, which the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) collaborated in February of that year.

“So far this year, the CBSA in Southern Ontario has seized over 206 firearms and 5,555 kilograms of illegal drugs at land ports of entry,” says Michael Prosia, regional director general for Southern Ontario, CBSA.

As the scope and complexity of the investigation expanded, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Toronto and Peel police also provided support.

On June 25, 18 search warrants were executed at residences and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg.

Last Tuesday, two search warrants were executed in Markham and Caledon.

On Monday, two search warrants were executed in Brampton.

Throughout the investigation and as a result of the search warrants, the following items were recovered with estimated quantities:

• 973 kg suspected cocaine
• 660 kg suspected methamphetamine
• 49 kg opium
• 230 oxycodone tablets (5mg)
• 17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle
• Ammunition
• Prohibited devices and weapons including brass knuckles, magazines and baton
• $80,000 in Canadian currency
• $10,000 in U.S. currency
• One vehicle as offence-related property
• High-end jewellery
• Money counters
• 43 cell phones and six laptops

Investigators say 21 people have been charged with 102 offences contrary to the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Detectives say 19 of the accused were arrested and two remain outstanding. Arrest warrants have been issued.

“Project Bay is a powerful example of how intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration can deliver significant results,” says Jason Crowley, chief of police for Windsor Police Service.

“Through intelligence sharing with our policing and border security partners, we disrupted criminal networks that profit from addiction and violence, preventing dangerous drugs and illegal firearms from reaching Peel Region and helping keep our communities safe,” says Nick Milinovich, deputy chief for Peel Regional Police.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

READ MORE: Nearly $158K worth of cocaine recovered in Brantford drug bust