Crimebeat – Project Harrington a six month investigation to get drugs off the streets

THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – Numerous charges have been laid after several Ontario police services including Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a number of search warrants in relation to a joint forces drug investigation.

At a media conference held in Thunder Bay, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) Commander Chief Superintendent Mike Armstrong joined representatives of the Thunder Bay Police Service, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, Anishinabek Police Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to reveal details of the investigation — dubbed Project Harrington.

The six-month investigation targeted a network that transported and distributed large amounts of oxycodone and cocaine from southern Ontario to Northwestern Ontario, including First Nations communities.

Members of the Toronto Police Service who provided assistance throughout the investigation as well as members of the Peel Regional and Waterloo Regional Police Services who assisted with the search warrants were also acknowledged.

A total of nine (9) Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants were executed at locations in the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga, Kitchener-Waterloo and Thunder Bay, including at the Thunder Bay District Jail.

In all, police laid 95 charges against 11 persons, six (6) of whom are in custody and five (5) others remain at large. Quantities of drugs worth approximately $1.13-million and cash were also seized.

The charges include: Directing or Participating in a Criminal Organization; Trafficking and/or Conspiracy to Traffic; and Breach of Probation. One of the individuals – an employee of the Thunder Bay District Jail – is charged with Breach of Trust.

A Drug Strategy Coordinator for the City of Thunder Bay was present to support enforcement as one of the keys to reduce the harm caused by drug abuse. The investigation continues and more charges may be forthcoming.

ADDENDUM – PROJECT HARRINGTON – CHARGED PERSONS