Police in Halton region say they have made numerous arrests, as well as a large weapons and drug bust in connection with an investigation that launched earlier this year.
The initiative, dubbed Project Breakdown, began in an attempt to target a fentanyl and firearms trafficking network police believed to be operating in Halton, Hamilton and southwestern Ontario.
On June 25, Halton, Brantford and Hamilton police in conjunction with Ontario Provincial Police conducted search warrants in Oxford County, Brant County, Haldimand County and Hamilton.
Multiple guns were seized, as well as varying amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and Xanax.
Police said in a release Wednesday that these searches led to four people between the ages of 20 and 44 being arrested.
Layla Vargas of Brampton, Ibrahim Redha of Norwich, Rahim Redha of Caledonia, and Seth Roswell of Scotland, Ont., were all taken into police custody.
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They face a combined total of nearly 80 firearm and drug-related charges.
“The trafficking of illicit substances, particularly fentanyl, into our community is related to the rise in drug poisonings which we know can lead to tragic outcomes,” Det.-Sgt. Ron Wright said in a statement.
“Similarly, trafficking and possessing firearms is a direct threat to public safety.”
Officials involved in Project Breakdown say additional arrests and charges are anticipated.
Halton police continue to ask that anyone who may have information about this trafficking network contact them directly, at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.
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