Overview of the Cocaine Bust

In a groundbreaking operation that has sent shockwaves through law enforcement, Toronto police have announced the largest cocaine seizure in the department's history, with ties to the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel from Mexico.

The Seizure Details

On Tuesday, Police Chief Myron Demkiw revealed that a staggering 835 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $83 million on the street, was confiscated. This monumental bust highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Canada, as police assert that these drugs made their perilous journey from Mexico, crossing through the southern U.S. border before reaching Canadian soil.

Project Castillo

The investigation, dubbed Project Castillo, commenced in August 2024 and was a collaborative effort involving Toronto Police, York Regional Police, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Thanks to this coalition, officers executed multiple search warrants across the Greater Toronto Area.

Triggering the Investigation

Superintendent Paul MacIntyre from the organized crime enforcement unit revealed that the investigation was triggered when a suspected cocaine shipment was intercepted by police. "At some point, we realized that an 18-wheeler was coming from Mexico through the United States up into Canada," MacIntyre recalled. The pivotal moment came when the CBSA halted the vehicle upon its entry into Canada, resulting in the immediate seizure of 475 kilograms of cocaine. Simultaneously, police were executing search warrants at locations known to harbor substantial amounts of the drug.

Arrests and Suspects

Six individuals were arrested in connection with the bust, including four Canadian nationals and two individuals from Mexico. Authorities indicated that those apprehended include significant distributors who were responsible for flooding the Canadian market with cocaine, suggesting that this was not their first foray into the drug trade. Unfortunately, three suspects remain at large, with arrest warrants issued for two from Mexico and one from Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Impact on Drug Market

This seizure has had a far-reaching impact: MacIntyre warned that the street price of cocaine in Canada has surged by 20% following the operation, signaling a disruptive shift in existing distribution networks. The investigation comes amid rising concerns about drug trafficking's correlation with gun violence and organized crime—a relationship that law enforcement officials emphasize must be addressed holistically.

Government Response