Toronto police say they have arrested 44 people, laying 187 charges, and seized a large quantity of ammunition, firearms, and drugs following a months-long investigation.
Dubbed Project Matrix, this “coordinated enforcement initiative” targeted illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and related criminal activity within the community, said Toronto police.
Launched on March 1 by 55 Division’s Major Crime Unit (MCU), the probe brought together several investigations involving individuals allegedly engaged in firearms and drug-related offences throughout the east-end division.
In total, investigators say they seized 792 rounds of ammo and eight illegal guns, and “significant quantities” of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin, and LSD.
Police say the most common offences were breach of probation, careless use, handling or storage of a firearm, possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
“As these cases are before the courts, further identifying information is not being released,” they said in a news release.
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Det. Sgt. Andy Johnstone, of the MCU, said this initiative will continue, “with investigators focused on identifying, disrupting, and holding accountable those involved in illegal firearms and drug trafficking.”
“We will remain relentless in these efforts,” he said.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-5500.
