Police have seized an estimated $4.5 million worth of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash following a multi-agency investigation throughout southern Ontario.
On July 8, officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other agencies executed a search warrant at a Toronto condo as part of an investigation dubbed “Golden Horseshoe.” Police alleged the condo was used to store and prepare cocaine for distribution.
As a result of the search, police seized more than 170 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $4.5 million. Police said they arrested two men without incident and located a third suspect nearby, according to a news release issued Friday.
Police said they then executed additional search warrants at several locations in Hamilton, confiscating approximately $165,000 in cash, as well as jewelry under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Tony Van Le, 39, Cong Quang Van, 38, of Hamilton, and Hai Thanh Hoa Tran, 41, of Brantford, were all charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The charges have not been tested in court.
In partnership with the RCMP, several agencies, including the Toronto Police Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Ontario Provincial Police, Brantford Police Service, Hamilton Police Service and Niagara Regional Police Service, took part in the investigation.
“Organized crime is driven by profit, but the consequences are felt in communities across Canada. The trafficking of illicit drugs fuels addiction, violence and exploitation, placing individuals, families and our communities at risk,” said RCMP Insp. Lucio De Simone.
