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Toronto police seize drugs in bust linked to ‘cartel-based’ groups

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Toronto police announced a significant drug seizure today in connection with the largest single-day drug seizure in the history of the force last November.

Deputy Chief Pauline Gray was joined by Superintendent Steve Watts at Toronto Police Headquarters and outlined an additional 388 kilograms of illicit drugs seized on top of the record amount of 670 kilograms.

WATCH: Toronto police announce results of investigation Project Cerro

During an investigation called Project Cerro, police identified multiple substances including 364 kilograms of methamphetamine, 20 kilograms of cocaine, and 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl, with a combined estimated street value of $32 million.

In November, police seized 520 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 151 kilograms of cocaine after a four week long investigation into two Toronto stash houses called Project Zafiro.

The Drug Squad has now recovered a record-breaking estimated combined street value of $82 million worth of illicit narcotics.

Watts says the large quantity seizures by police speak to the cross-border issues involving firearms and controlled substances. The drugs are likely cartel related and coming across the border through the US, from Mexico.

“The ability to manufacture crystal methamphetamine at a high level, at a pure level… these [substances] are coming from Mexico, through the southern US,” Watts said. “The only people that would probably have the ability to supply this amount would have to be cartel based.”

READ MORE: Toronto police make historic bust, seize 671 kilograms of illegal drugs

In November, three individuals were identified in connection with the trafficking of these drugs. Police say these three people turned themselves in to the Drug Squad on Jan. 24.

Four additional men were arrested in connection with Project Cerro after police carried out 15 search warrants on Jan. 17.

Seven individuals in total have been arrested and charged with multiple offences, including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

  • Terry Popovich, 46, of Toronto
  • Nicole Watts, 36, of Toronto
  • Cindy Macias, 35, of Mississauga
  • Paul Lelutiu, 35, of Toronto
  • Troy Anthony Robinson, 40, of Toronto
  • Manasinh Jittavong, 39, of Toronto
  • Soheil Baharloo, 34, of Toronto

Lelutiu, Robinson, Jittavong, and Baharloo all face additional charges in relation to the possession of loaded, restricted firearms.

Police say the 15 search warrants were carried out on Toronto residences as well as seven vehicles.

In addition to the drugs, four firearms, over $500,000 in cash, and seven motor vehicles were seized by police, including a stolen 2022 Range Rover with an estimated value of $150,000.

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