It’s being called one of the most significant drug seizures ever in Ontario.
A multi-jurisdictional, cross-border investigation called “Project Bay” resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and opium valued at $139-million.
Windsor Police began the investigation in January 2025 and received help from Ontario Provincial Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration, while the Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police provided operational and additional support.
The probe revealed the use of a broker-style model within the commercial transportation sector with truck drivers were knowingly bringing drugs across the border within legitimate supply chains.
18 search warrants were executed in June and July of this year in Windsor, LaSalle, Brampton, Corunna and elsewhere which resulted in the seizure of the following items:
- 973 kg suspected cocaine
- 660 kg suspected methamphetamine
- 49 kg opium
- 230 oxycodone tablets (5mg)
- 17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle
- Ammunition
- Prohibited devices and weapons including brass knuckles, magazines and baton
- C$80,000
- US$10,000
- One vehicle as offence-related property
- High-end jewellery
- Money counters
- 43 cell phones and six laptops
Acting Detective Superintendent Andy Bradford, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, says this seizure was a team effort among a number of agencies.
“The fact that these drugs were identified, investigated, and ultimately seized, demonstrates that law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border and working together effectively to detect and disrupt criminal activity. The firearms seized in this investigation highlight the persistent link between drug trafficking and the threat of violence.”
He says 21 individuals have been charged with 102 offences.
“Of those, 19 have been arrested and two remain outstanding. While the seizure of nearly 1.7 metric tons of drugs is significant it is important to remember that investigations like this are about more than the quantities involved... they are about dismantling criminal networks that cause significant harm to communities.”
Bradford says the anti-tank rifle seized is extremely rare.
“This is a Lahti L-39, .50 calibre anti-tank rifle, it is very rare. What I would tell you is that this is a military ordnance, it has no legitimate civilian application, and the fact that it’s in the hands of organized drug traffickers is a concerning public safety issue.”
Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley says this project will never be fully over as there may be others involved.
“Unfortunately, these are not dismantling entire networks. The networks run very deep, our investigators are aware, this investigation may be at conclusion now but it does lead to other criminal organizations... organized crime, so this work is never done. But certainly, as you can see, a very large dent in someone’s business.”
Crowley says Windsor does not differ from other communities when it comes to organized crime.
“This runs very deep, and it’s disturbing to be honest. But the fact that our investigators are on top of it, and it’s always evolving, the important piece is so are the police. And this is a perfect example, what I’m surrounded by up here today, and our evolution on our platform that we work together so well.”
21 people face a total of 102 charges.
19 have been arrested and arrest warrants have been issued for two people from Windsor, a 22 and 28-year old, whose names have not been released.
Three others from Windsor and one suspect from LaSalle face a number of charges including conspiracy to import cocaine, trafficking cocaine, weapons offences, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Police say the bust represents a significant disruption to the illegal drug supply chain in Ontario.