Project Coyote: 26 people charged for smuggling drugs, weapons after 13-month investigation in Ontario

Ontario: More than two dozen people have been charged with smuggling banned drugs and weapons in Southern Ontario after 13 months of investigation, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Three members of the Hell’s Angel Motorcycle Club and three members of the Red Devil’s Motorcycle Club were also arrested during the investigation launched under the name of Project Coyote. At present, 26 people are facing charges, the OPP said.

“We had received information that the entire network of drug smuggling in the Belleville-Quint West Area was being run by two criminal groups,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Paul McKay.

The groups belonged to members of the Street Gang and Motorcycle Clubs in the Greater Toronto Area, he said.

A joint operation in this regard was launched on January 22 in which the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, Toronto Police Service and Belleville Police Service participated.

During this time, a large quantity of illegal drugs was recovered. The seized drugs included more than one kg of fentanyl, 6 kg of methamphetamine and 16 kg of cocaine. In addition, $370,000 in Canadian currency obtained from the crime was also recovered.

McKay said police found dozens of weapons, including stolen and 3D printed guns, and bullet coins. In addition, 10 vehicles, body armor and jewelry worth $150,000 were also recovered.

Those arrested in this connection have been charged with smuggling of drugs and weapons, having links with criminal organisations, conspiracy and possessing property earned through the crime, the OPP said. It was also informed that the investigation is still going on and more charges may also be imposed.

The investigation was also assisted by federal and international partners such as the Canada Border Services Agency and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the OPP said.