OPP officials allege: A multi-jurisdictional, cross-border investigation has resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and opium, in what police are calling one of the most significant drug seizures in a single investigation in Ontario’s history.
The investigation, known as Project Bay, focused on disrupting the importation and trafficking of illegal drugs connected to the international border. It began in January 2025 when the Windsor Police Service opened a drug-trafficking investigation, and expanded the following month when the Canada Border Services Agency joined to help identify the cross-border trafficking network. As the scope of the case grew, the Ontario Provincial Police became involved to support the cross-border and interprovincial components through the Border Enforcement Security Task Force and the OPP-led Border Drug Interdiction Task Force.
U.S. agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted with the international aspects of the case, while the Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police provided operational and investigative support. Investigators say the case revealed the use of a broker-style model within the commercial transportation sector that leveraged established connections to move illegal drugs across the border, including arranging for drivers to knowingly transport illicit goods within legitimate supply chains.
On June 25, 2026, 18 search warrants were executed at residences and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg by a large number of police services and specialized units. Two more search warrants were executed in Markham and Caledon on July 14, and two additional warrants were executed in Brampton on July 20.
Items seized during the investigation include an estimated 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, 49 kilograms of opium, 230 oxycodone tablets, 17 firearms, ammunition, prohibited weapons, more than $90,000 in Canadian and American cash, a vehicle, high-end jewellery, money counters, 43 cell phones and six laptops. Police estimate the street value of the drugs seized at more than $139 million.
Twenty-one people have been charged with 102 offences under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Nineteen of the accused have been arrested, and two remain outstanding with warrants issued for their arrest.
“This seizure reflects the scale of criminal activity that crosses borders and impacts communities across Ontario. By removing more than a metric tonne of illegal drugs and multiple firearms from circulation, we have significantly disrupted the flow of harmful substances, prevented community harm and removed substantial profits from the criminal economy. This investigation highlights the critical role of integrated border enforcement, which enables the OPP to work in collaboration with municipal, provincial, federal and international partners to deter, detect and disrupt the cross‑border movement of illegal drugs and firearms,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart.
“Project Bay is a powerful example of how intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration can deliver significant results. This investigation began as the result of information obtained by the Windsor Police Service and evolved into a complex operation spanning multiple jurisdictions across Ontario. Working closely with our policing partners, we were able to dismantle a network that was moving dangerous drugs and firearms into communities across the province and putting public safety at risk,” said Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley.
“The Canada Border Services Agency works with domestic and international enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs from entering Canada and disrupt criminal networks. Border services officers are Canada’s first line of defence, keeping communities safe from illegal drugs and organized crime. So far this year, the CBSA in Southern Ontario has seized over 206 firearms and 5,555 kg of illegal drugs at land ports of entry. Thank you to all partners involved in the Project Bay investigation, particularly the Ontario Provincial Police and Windsor Police Service,” said Michael Prosia, regional director general for Southern Ontario with the Canada Border Services Agency.
“The success of Project Bay highlights the critical role of partnership-driven policing in addressing the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking networks. The Toronto Police Service was pleased to provide operational support throughout this investigation, which resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs and 17 firearms before they could reach communities across Ontario. By disrupting criminal networks that fuel drug trafficking, violence and exploitation, this investigation has made a meaningful contribution to public safety in Toronto and beyond,” said TPS Superintendent Ryan Forde.
“Organized crime operates without regard for jurisdictional boundaries, and Project Bay demonstrates the impact of coordinated, interagency enforcement. Through intelligence sharing with our policing and border security partners, we disrupted criminal networks that profit from addiction and violence, preventing dangerous drugs and illegal firearms from reaching Peel Region and helping keep our communities safe,” said Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich.
The investigation into the source and full scope of the trafficking network remains ongoing. Anyone with information about illegal firearms or the trafficking of illicit drugs is asked to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
