$139M in Drugs, Anti-Tank Rifle Seized in One of Ontario’s Largest Busts

Police have dismantled an alleged cross-border trafficking network and seized more than $139 million worth of illegal drugs in one of Ontario’s largest drug busts by weight.

The intelligence-led investigation, dubbed Project Bay, resulted in the seizure of approximately 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 49 kilograms of suspected opium, according to a joint police and Canada Border Services Agency release.

Officers also recovered 230 oxycodone tablets and 17 firearms — including an anti-tank rifle — along with ammunition, prohibited weapons and devices, high-end jewellery, money counters, 43 cellphones and six laptops.

Investigators seized approximately C$80,000 and US$10,000 in cash, as well as a vehicle alleged to be offence-related property.

Windsor police launched the investigation in January 2025. The CBSA joined the following month to help identify the network allegedly being used to import drugs into Canada. The Ontario Provincial Police later became involved as the investigation expanded across provincial and international boundaries.

Police allege the network used a broker-style operation within the commercial transportation industry. Established contacts were allegedly used to recruit drivers who knowingly moved drugs across the border while concealing them within legitimate supply chains.

American authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted with the international component.

On June 25, police executed 18 search warrants at homes and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg. Two additional warrants were carried out in Markham and Caledon on July 14, followed by two more in Brampton on July 20.

Twenty-one people face a combined 102 charges under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, police said. Nineteen accused have been arrested, while two Windsor suspects remain wanted on outstanding warrants. An accompanying CBSA release lists 104 offences, creating a discrepancy in the published totals.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

OPP Chief Supt. Mike Stoddart said the seizure significantly disrupted the flow of illegal drugs and removed substantial profits from the criminal economy. Investigators say the source and full scope of the trafficking network remain under investigation.