Ontario Organized Crime Crackdown: 27 Arrests
The Ontario Provincial Police say this Hells Angels vest is among the items seized as part of Project Coyote, a 13-month investigation into the trafficking of drugs and firearms.
Police say 27 suspects, including members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, have been arrested following a joint investigation that led to the seizure of drugs, cash and cash. x27;a dozen firearms.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with officers from Belleville, Toronto and Windsor participated in the #x27;13-month drug and gun smuggling investigation dubbed Project Coyote.
The suspects are part of two criminal groups identified as operating a drug trafficking ring: a Toronto-area street gang and members of the Hells Angels and the associated Red Devils club.
They were operating in the Belleville-Quinte West area east of Toronto, according to Chief Superintendent Paul Mackey of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.< /p>
A 3D-printed Glock P80 and a stolen Ruger 357 are among the firearms recovered during the investigation, along with three sawed-off shotguns.
Investigators also seized Hells Angels vests, membership lists and photos, along with 10 vehicles and more than $370,000 in cash, according to the OPP.
They also confiscated 16 kg of cocaine, 1.5 kg of fentanyl and 6 kg of crystal methamphetamine.
The investigation led to the seizure of a large quantity of drugs.
Three members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club and three members of the Red Devils were among those arrested, according to Mackey.
Urban street gangs are moving out of neighborhoods and into global criminal networks, the chief superintendent said during a video briefing on the project Thursday afternoon. They get bigger. They're getting bolder.
According to Paul Mackey, outlaw motorcycle gangs evolve. They seem to be moving from clubs to shops.
“They are profit driven and seem to stop at nothing to get it.
—Paul Mackey, Chief Superintendent of the Ontario Provincial Police
The investigation is continuing and further charges and seizures may be added.
Belleville Police Department Deputy Chief Chris Barry said the Hells bikers Angels and Red Devils intimidate residents and seek to profit from the misery they inflict on our most vulnerable citizens through drugs, guns and human trafficking.
Mr. Barry said the community is now focused on supporting victims and restoring a sense of safety.
Project coyote has sent a powerful message to the organized crime, he added.
When they settle in a small community like Belleville, they have to deal not only with the resources of our service local police, but also to the combined might of law enforcement across Ontario.
With information from La Presse canadienne, and CBC
