Twenty people have been arrested and close to 300 charges laid to dismantle a "large-scale" drug and gun trafficking network in York Region that involved a notorious street gang, police say.
The joint-forces investigation dubbed Project Lookout began investigating members and associates of the Haywan Gang believed to be operating in southern area of the region in April 2023, a York Regional Police news release said.
As the operation evolved, investigators identified suspects who were supplying the gang with firearms and high-quality cocaine, primarily in Vaughan, police said.
Project Lookout concluded on June 5, with search warrants executed at 33 locations across the Greater Toronto Area. The 14-month investigation resulted in 20 persons arrested, including six from Vaughan, and nearly 300 charges laid.
Investigators seized 18 firearms, and suspected drugs, including 19.8 kilograms of cocaine, 4.8 kilograms of cannabis and a quantity of MDMA, Xanax pills and oxycodone pills. Total street value of the seized drugs is more than $2.5 million.
Investigators also seized $244,335 in Canadian currency, four vehicles and luxury watches valued at $255,000 as proceeds of crime.
To view a video highlighting the investigation click here.
The investigation included members of ork Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
