Canada Police Bust Suspected Drug Ring, Seize Cocaine Worth $20m and Millions in Cash
Authorities in Canada have dismantled a suspected drug trafficking network following a major operation that led to the seizure of cocaine valued at an estimated $20 million and $2.5 million in cash.
The operation, known as Project Golden Frog, was carried out by the York Regional Police in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) after border officers intercepted a shipment arriving from Panama that was suspected to contain illegal narcotics.
Investigators later linked the shipment to individuals based in Kitchener, Ontario, prompting a series of coordinated raids at homes, business premises and storage facilities throughout June.
During the searches, officers recovered about 260 kilograms of cocaine, large sums of cash and other assets believed to be proceeds of criminal activity.
The operation resulted in the arrest of six suspects, who now face a range of charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy, unlawful importation of a controlled substance and possession of proceeds of crime. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.
Speaking on the outcome of the investigation, York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan described the operation as a testament to the close collaboration between law enforcement agencies, noting that the seizure had dealt a significant blow to organised drug trafficking and would help protect communities.
Police said investigations into the case began in May after the suspicious shipment from Panama was intercepted, eventually leading to weeks of surveillance and enforcement actions that culminated in the arrests and the recovery of the illicit drugs and cash.
