In our continued dedication to the Durham Region Opioid Response Plan related to a significant increase in opioid-related deaths within the community, investigators launched Project ECONOLINE. The DRPS Drug Enforcement Unit and the Central East Division Community Response Team led numerous investigations into fentanyl traffickers in areas impacted by the opioid crisis.
Project ECONOLINE was a five-month drug investigation from June to October 2022 led by Drug Enforcement Unit with the assistance of members from the Central East Division Community Response Team, Gun and Gang Enforcement Unit, Central West Division Community Response Team, West Division Community Response Team and Tactical Support Unit. The team executed 30 search warrants within the GTA, arrested 44 individuals and laid a total of 149 Criminal Code and Controlled Drug and Substance Act charges. During the duration of the investigation, investigators seized 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 693 grams of cocaine, 3.8 kilograms methamphetamine and quantities of prescription medications, all with an approximate total street value of $1.1 million. Police also seized four handguns, two long guns and more than $150,000 in cash.
Project ECONOLINE has made a significant impact on the availability of fentanyl in areas experiencing high overdose rates. These investigations into drug-trafficking and the arrests of those responsible have disrupted multiple smaller trafficking cells and deterred traffickers from dealing drugs within the Region of Durham. Through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) supported the DRPS investigation. The funding provided by the CISO demonstrates DRPS’ commitment to community safety.
The DRPS would like to thank the members of the investigative team for their dedication and perseverance, our law enforcement partners, CISO and all of the other law enforcement agencies that provided assistance during this investigation.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact the DRPS Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5801.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
