A 16-month-long investigation into two GTA street gangs accused of selling drugs in the Sudbury area has led to the seizure of $1.9 million in narcotics and nearly 200 charges against 25 people. “Street gangs are migrating across Ontario which has resulted in an increase of illegal drugs and firearms entering communities,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Tuesday. ‘Project Saturate’ began as a joint investigation between the OPP guns and gangs enforcement team and the Greater Sudbury Police Service drug enforcement unit in January 2024. “This quantity of drugs seized in a community like Sudbury is significant. We also seized four firearms, which supports (the) notion that the presence of street gangs brings the potential for gun violence,” OPP Acting Det. Supt. Andy Bradford, of the organized crime enforcement bureau, said. “The OPP will continue to work with our municipal partners like the Greater Sudbury Police Service to stem the flow of illegal drugs and firearms and dismantle the criminal networks and street gangs that have proliferated in these communities.” Coordinated drug busts The first six search warrants were carried out May 8 in Sudbury, Mississauga and Hamilton by 11 different police units. An additional 14 searches took place May 29 in Sudbury, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Pickering and Toronto by 16 different units. A total of 22 people were arrested and warrants have been issued for three others in the case. Six suspects from Sudbury – ages 22 – 78 – are charged with various offences including drug trafficking. Drugs seized include 12 kg of suspected cocaine, 7.3 kg of suspected fentanyl, 164 g of suspected methamphetamine and 1,010 suspected meth tablets, 2,448 oxycodone tablets, eight kg of cannabis and other prescription medications. Opioid crisis taking devastating toll Sudbury Police Chief Sara Cunningham said at Tuesday’s news conference that the fentanyl seized represents 73,000 potential lethal doses. She highlighted the devastating toll the substance continues to have on the community. “The impact of opioids cannot be overstated. These drugs are claiming lives, destroying families and stretching their communities, emergency responses and health care systems to their limits,” Cunningham said. “Our first responders are seeing the effects firsthand daily, often arriving on the scenes of individuals at the throws of overdose trauma and in crisis.” Over the last three years, the police chief said local paramedics have responded to an average of 677 suspected overdose calls. “Health-care professionals from emergency rooms to addiction and mental health workers are overwhelmed by this ongoing crisis in our community,” she said. Between January and April, 42 people died due to suspected drug overdoses in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. “Each of these deaths is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact, the human cost is heartbreaking and repeated exposure takes its toll on our front line,” Cunningham said. “This is why investigations like ‘Project Saturate’ matter.” Staggeringly high opioid poisonings The rate of annual emergency room visits caused by opioid poisoning is 198.3 per 100,000 residents. T his is 10 per cent higher than the northern Ontario regional average and a “staggering” 83.4 per cent higher than the provincial average. Police also seized $259,000 Canadian and $1,210 American cash, four firearms, two prohibited devices, a vehicle, a boat, 21 cell phones, two laptops and digital scales. “Illicit drugs pose a serious threat to the safety, security, and overall wellness of our community. This significant seizure is a clear example of the harm caused by organized crime and the importance of taking decisive action,” Cunningham said. “We remain firmly committed to identifying, investigating, and disrupting criminal networks through intelligence-led policing and strong collaborative partnerships at the local, provincial, and national levels. Together, we are working to protect our community and hold those who profit from this harm accountable.”
