Toronto doctor among those charged as police dismantle GTHA fentanyl labs

A Toronto physician is among a dozen people charged in a significant illegal opioid ring that saw GTA police forces dismantle two fentanyl labs and seize over 60 kilograms of illicit drugs.

Hamilton police released details of its investigation labelled Project Odeon, launched after authorities discovered a covert laboratory when looking into an overdose death in November 2021 at a residence on Hamilton’s Mountain.

With the assistance of multiple police forces — including Toronto, York Region and the Ontario Provincial Police — investigators suspected a link between the previous overdose death, an earlier overdose resulting in hospitalization, and a death at a Toronto condominium. These deaths occurred days from each other, Hamilton police noted.

Investigators were able to trace the origins of some of the clandestine lab equipment and identify a company in the United States that had sold three items of equipment to an Oshawa-based company.

This led to a break in the case, and investigators infiltrated a significant drug network. As a result, search warrants were executed in Hamilton, Mount Albert, Smithville, Toronto, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and Vaughan.

Two fentanyl labs were discovered, including one operational and one dismantled. They were located at 6800 Sixteen Road in Smithville, Ont. and 4057 Bethesda Road, Stouffville, Ont.

Additionally, officers seized 800 gallons of chemicals commonly used in the production of fentanyl, lab equipment widely used in the production of fentanyl and just over 64 kilograms of illicit drugs, including 25.6 kilograms of fentanyl, 18 kilograms of methamphetamine and 6.0 kilograms of ketamine.

Over $350,000 of seized proceeds, including cars, jewelry, furniture and cash, were also discovered in the search.

Hamilton police identify those charged, including Toronto-based doctor

Twelve people, including a 31-year-old female physician from Toronto, face up to 48 criminal charges. These include possession for the purpose of trafficking, production of substance, proceeds of crime, firearm possession and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Eight of the 12 arrested are from the Hamilton area, including a 19-year-old and 20-year-old.

• Ly Duy Luan Do, 33-year-old from Hamilton
• Charanpal Gill, 28-year-old from Stoney Creek
• Jasanpal Gill, 22-year-old from Stoney Creek
• Shkelqim Ibishi, 30-year-old, from Hamilton,
• Cindy Ly, 31-year-old physician from Toronto
• Elizabeth Milne, 33-year-old from Welland
• Garry Moore, 45-year-old  from Smithville
• Amanpreet Shergill, 30-year-old from Smithville
• Ghais Sultani, 32-year-old from Hamilton
• Akela Sultani, 59-year-old from Hamilton
• Fais Sultani, 20-year-old  from Hamilton
• Weeda Sultani, 19-year-old from Hamilton

By tracing the origins of some of the lab equipment, investigators were able to identify a company in the United States. This business sold three items of laboratory equipment to an Oshawa-based company. Photo: Hamilton Police Service.

Hamilton police said the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is aware of the charges against Ly. CityNews has reached out for comment.

Investigators said there is also a Canada-wide warrant for 34-year-old Kien Trung Hoang from Toronto.

From January 1 to July 30, 2023, Hamilton police said there have been just over 600 documented incidents related to suspected opioid overdoses and 89 suspected drug-related deaths in Hamilton.

“As police, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of opioids. These substances have not only led to a surge in addictions and overdoses but have also strained our resources as we respond to calls for service,” said Superintendent Marty Schulenberg.

“Through Project Odeon, we have made a significant dent in the production of opioids, and we believe this will have an impact on public safety in our community.”

Project Odeon search warrant results. Photo: Hamilton Police Service.