24 people arrested, 54 charges laid in connection with an organized crime group in southern Ontario

Twenty-four people have been arrested in connection with a criminal group believed to be responsible for numerous criminal acts, including thefts of tractor-trailer cargoes across southern Ontario.

On Saturday, Peel Police released a statement saying that earlier this year investigators were focused on an « emerging organized crime group » that operated in Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

According to police, a special project team has been formed and financially supported by the Ontario government — Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO).

“The suspects used violence, intimidation and financial rewards to recruit members and commit criminal acts,” police said. « This group is suspected of being responsible for several weapons-related crimes, theft of goods and drug trafficking. »

Following the investigation, police said 24 people suspected of being affiliated with the criminal group had been arrested. Fifty-four charges of possession, firearm, fraud and theft were laid.

Police said search warrants were issued at 14 premises which resulted in the location of ten stolen vehicles worth more than $1.1 million, illegal opioids worth more than $25 000 dollars, stolen heating and air conditioning units worth more than 460,000 dollars and four firearms.

« Investigators would like to thank Criminal Intelligence Services Ontario, Canada Border Services Agency, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police Service, Halton Regional Police Service, Peterborough Police Service and Vancouver Police Service. « , police said in the statement.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call 21st Division Criminal Investigations Bureau investigators at 905-453-2121 ext. 2133.

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