OPP seize estimated $13.3M worth of illegal drugs in Project Helston

Provincial police say they have seized $13.3-million worth of illegal drugs, as part of an investigation cracking down on criminal networks found producing and trafficking illegal drugs in Ontario.

Police seized fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone pills, as part of a 19-month investigation dubbed Project Helston.

Thirteen people are also facing 141 charges including trafficking cocaine and fentanyl, possession of property obtained by crime, assault with a weapon and more.

On November 3 police executed a total of four search warrants in Mississauga, Cornwall and Ottawa.

As a result of the investigation, police seized 31.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 7.5 kilograms of cocaine and 68 oxycodone pills.

They also seized a handgun with 17 rounds of ammunition and four vehicles as offence-related property.

13 arrested, 141 charges laid – 31.5kg of fentanyl and 7.5kg of cocaine seized in Project HELSTON. https://t.co/KW2bszpNT8 pic.twitter.com/hvN39Jhqyw

— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) November 10, 2021

The investigation started in March 2020 when an influx of illegal substances in eastern Ontario were found.

The OPP and the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau were then prompted to figure out where the drugs were coming from.

Investigators ended up identifying three criminal networks producing and trafficking fentanyl and cocaine in large quantities.

“The sheer impact of the number of potential street-level doses of fentanyl seized by our investigators is absolutely shocking,” OPP Deputy Commissioner Chuck Cox said on Wednesday.

“These criminals partake in heinous activities that have an imminent risk of causing loss of life, and for nothing more than monetary gain.”

Opioid crisis

Cox also commented on the opioid crisis in the country, which he said is becoming more severe.

According to Toronto Public Health, a total of 521 confirmed opioid overdose deaths were recorded in the city last year — a 78 per cent increase from deaths recorded in 2019.

City data also indicates that in the first three months of this year, paramedics responded to 1,173 suspected opioid overdose calls, including 93 involving a death.

Those who possess illicit drugs for personal use in Toronto can also be charged with a drug offence. But the city has prepared to ask the federal government to decriminalize the possession of illicit drugs for personal use in the city, saying the move is needed as drug-related deaths reach record highs.

Toronto’s top doctor, Dr. Eileen de Villa, said she expects to send its request to Health Canada later this fall.

The quantity of fentanyl seized through Project Helston is equal to more than 315,000 street-level doses.

Investigators said they have been conservative with street-level dose estimates, as dose size is subjective and varies from one individual to another.

Police added that those suffering from substance use disorders are at a high level of danger when it comes to illicit fentanyl.

In a statement, police said that when fentanyl is mixed with other substances in efforts to prepare it for sale, the end result can produce portions of the mixture that is more potent than other parts.

When opioids are produced by a pharmaceutical company, they have a consistent dose found in each pill, patch or liquid. When they are produced illicitly, there is no quality control, which could make it more likely for a user to consume a lethal dose.

All of the accused in the investigation have been taken into custody and are expected to appear at an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on various dates throughout November.

With files from the Canadian Press