Over 8K arrested, 386 kg of fentanyl seized in Canada-wide RCMP probe

Hamilton and Niagara police were involved in a Canada-wide investigation, which saw more than 8,000 arrests and seized more than 386 kg of fentanyl.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced Tuesday that they led and have completed an investigation that aimed to make waves in the production and distribution of fentanyl in Canada.

The case, dubbed the “National Fentanyl Sprint 2.0” or just “Sprint 2.0,” lasted about five months and involved more than 100 police agencies country-wide.

Starting in May, Sprint 2.0 began investigating and taking down the economic infrastructure of organized crime saying this is key to dismantling the groups.

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Among the 100 police agencies, local police forces such as Hamilton Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, and Ontario Provincial Police were involved in the arrests of thousands of people and the seizure of massive quantities of illegal drugs.

The RCMP say 8,136 people were arrested or charged in the investigation and many items were seized including:

• 386 kg of fentanyl;
• 5,989 kg of cocaine;
• 1,708 kg of methamphetamine;
• 270 kg of precursor chemicals;
• $13.46 million in cash; and
• 217 individuals arrested for trafficking fentanyl while on bail.

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Authorities say of the drugs seized, 81 per cent of the cocaine, 68 per cent of the fentanyl, 84 per cent of the heroin and 68 per cent of all other opioids were seized in Ontario — the highest amounts out of all provinces.

Quebec authorities seized the most chemicals used for production and British Columbia authorities seized the most methamphetamine.

The RCMP say this is the second time the operation has run. Authorities had conducted a similar investigation from Dec. 9, 2024 to Jan. 18, 2025 and saw significant results. In Sprint 2.0, the investigation was expanded to more jurisdictions and participating police services.

The RCMP says this investigation reveals “what can be achieved when law enforcement, intelligence agencies and government partners work together.”

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