34 arrested, $2.5M of drugs seized in months-long investigation: Durham police

Durham police announced the results of a drug trafficking investigation on Friday that led to several arrests and the seizure of millions of dollars worth of drugs.

The nine-month-long investigation resulted in 34 arrests, 139 criminal charges, as well as the seizure of 10 illegal firearms, drugs worth $2.7 million and $200,000 in Canadian currency, said Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira at a news conference.

The investigation into a gang known as the “44” began in April this year, said Det. Sgt. Brad Corner, sparked by allegations the group had illegal firearms and ran drug distribution operations.

The group is believed to engage in criminal activity as far as northern Ontario and in Winnipeg, he said, which led to collaborations with various agencies and officials throughout the case. Over several weeks, 61 search warrants were issued.

That led to 34 individuals being arrested, who face a total of 139 charges, including for illegal possession of a firearm and drug trafficking. Corner said the majority of those arrested were adults in their 20s and 30s.

Police seized several drugs, including 18 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl and six kilograms of methamphetamines. Corner said four of the 10 seized firearms were traced back to Detroit, where they had been stolen.

Moreira said there’s been a “deeply concerning rise” in gun crimes this year — about 10 per cent more incidents compared to last year.

“This upward trend is unacceptable and we’re dedicating enormous resources to combatting it,” he said.

He said Durham police will be “relentless” in tracking down illegal firearms and drug operations in the ongoing investigation.

Moreira urged anyone with information related to the investigation to contact Durham police.