Two major Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigations have resulted in what the force is calling a historic fentanyl seizure, alongside large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs.
The combined efforts of Project BIONIC and Project GOLDEN led to the seizure of approximately 43.5 kilograms of fentanyl—equivalent to an estimated 435,000 potentially lethal street-level doses. According to police, that volume of fentanyl could pose a risk to a population the size of London, Ont., or other top-five urban centres in the province.
“These investigations have undoubtedly saved lives,” said Kevin Brosseau, Canada’s newly appointed Fentanyl Czar. “They reflect the critical role law enforcement plays in keeping our communities safe.”
Launched as a five-month probe, Project BIONIC targeted drug trafficking conducted through dark web marketplaces—marking the first such investigation of its kind by the OPP. The operation uncovered a network allegedly responsible for distributing high volumes of narcotics across Canada via mail.
Meanwhile, the 11-month-long Project GOLDEN focused on dismantling a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking network operating in several southwestern Ontario communities. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 38 kilograms of fentanyl—the largest single fentanyl seizure in OPP history.
In addition to fentanyl, officers also seized quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, heroin, ketamine, and a range of prescription medications. Officials say the fentanyl had been cut with other substances, and conservative estimates were used when calculating potential street-level doses.
“As drug trafficking networks evolve in complexity, so too must our investigative strategies,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Both Project BIONIC and Project GOLDEN were historic investigations… Every gram of fentanyl we seize is a life potentially saved.”
Illicit fentanyl continues to drive overdose deaths across Ontario. Officials warn that the drug is not only highly potent but is increasingly sought after by users. It may be produced in clandestine labs within Canada or imported using precursor chemicals sourced from abroad.
Trafficking opioids remains a serious criminal offence, with authorities underscoring the knowingly lethal consequences associated with distributing such substances.
“Our government will not tolerate illegal drug trafficking in our province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This record-setting seizure demonstrates the hard work of law enforcement in protecting Ontario communities and dismantling dangerous networks.”
