Nearly Two Dozen Arrested In Drug Dealing Bust

Nearly two dozen suspects have been arrested in an undercover drug dealing bust focused on the downtown Yonge Street strip.

During the two-week long probe, dubbed Project Take The Money And Run, undercover officers reportedly made drug buys, often crack cocaine, in order to track down suspects.

“It was called ‘Take The Money And Run’ because we were going to do a series of undercover drug buys on the Yonge St. strip and do arrests later on, but we found through this investigation that there appeared to be some kind of alleged hierarchy of drug dealers on Yonge St., where the main players would direct others to actually make the purchase of drugs on their behalf and they would run the money back to them and give them the money and exchange the drugs,” explained Staff Insp. Don Campbell of the Toronto Drug Squad at a Thursday news conference.

“That’s why you would see some of the conspiracy charges that were laid.”

Officers targeted College Park, the Atrium on Bay, arcades and fast food outlets among other places. Police allege there were a number of drug rings operating and in some cases confrontations arose over purchases.

One store owner recalled how alleged drug dealers brazenly walked into his store and proceeded to conduct business.

“They always used to go to the back there, and I saw they were doing something like, you know, passing something to one another and things like that,” he said.

Police say the cold weather helped them to nab some of the suspects because they were forced inside, where they were easier to track.

“They’re indoors. They’re easier to find instead of the alleys and the parks,” said Det. Sgt. Mike Ervick.  

Police say some of the people arrested were addicts being victimized by dealers.

“People would go to any means to get a better deal for their drugs,” Campbell adds.  “And the drug dealers were preying on them to sell on their behalf, and then they would get the money and give them the drugs.”

The alleged dealers who thought they were safe lurking in the background are now facing conspiracy charges, while help is being sought for the addicts.

“I don’t think we’re here to throw them in jail and throw the book away,” Campbell said.  “I think they need help, and we’re fortunate the city of Toronto to have those stuff available.”

In all 23 adults and one young offender were arrested, with five including the young offender released unconditionally. Charges range from drug dealing to conspiracy. There are apparently 13 other individuals still being sought.

Sean Nicosi Stoll, 34, of no fixed address, charged with:

1) Trafficking Cocaine,

2) Possession of Proceeds of Crime,

3) Immigration Warrant.

Christopher Marks, 21, of no fixed address, charged with:

1)  Conspiracy to Traffic,

2) 5 counts of Traffic Cocaine,

3) 7 counts of Possession of Proceeds of Crime,

4) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose.

Andrae Durel Campbell, 22, of no fixed address, charged with:

1) Trafficking Cocaine,

2) Possession of Proceeds of Crime.

3) Immigration Warrant.

Michelle Mitchell, 24, of Toronto, charged with:

1) Conspiracy to Traffic,

2) 3 counts of Traffic Cocaine,

3) 2 counts of Possession of Proceeds of Crime.

Ekope Sakombi, 21, of Toronto, charged with:

1) Conspiracy to Traffic,

2) 2 counts of Traffic Cocaine,

3) 2 counts of Possession of Proceeds of Crime,

4) Possession  of Cocaine.

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