More than 30 arrested as Durham police share results of firearms, drugs investigation

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) says more than 30 people are facing nearly 200 charges as part of a multi-jurisdictional firearms and drugs investigation.

DRPS says Project Burton has led to the arrests of 32 suspects, and 184 criminal charges have been laid. Investigators held a press conference at 10 a.m. in Whitby, Ont.

DRPS Police Chief Peter Moreira said Project Burton focused on a gang based in north Oshawa that was allegedly trafficking illegal guns and drugs and also committed fraud.

“The criminal activity stretched well beyond Durham Region, reaching as far as British Columbia,” said Moreira. “Members of the group have flaunted their illicit earnings on social media, glorified a culture that celebrates financial success through criminal activity.”

Moreira said 16 firearms were seized as part of the police investigation, including eight handguns that were allegedly smuggled in from the U.S.

Those arrested, including four youths, face multiple criminal charges, including for alleged firearms trafficking, fraud and trafficking of cocaine and fentanyl.

Thirteen people arrested have been released on bail, but three have already violated their bail conditions and are being sought by police.

Despite the arrests, Moreira said it would be “disingenuous” to say police have dismantled the alleged gang completely.

“The reality is that there are so many people engaged in this kind of activity that somebody will fill this void,” he said, adding the next police investigation had already begun.

Moreira said there has been a 62 per cent increase in shootings in Durham Region so far this year.

The DRPS says its officers collaborated with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Toronto Police Service (TPS), and Criminal Intelligence Services Ontario (CISO) on Project Burton.

Earlier this week, York Regional Police (YRP) released some new crime numbers, including a 92 per cent increase in shootings in 2024. While auto thefts in the area have dropped by 33 per cent compared to last year, YRP investigators said there has been a 400 per cent increase in carjackings since 2019.