$2M in seized drugs were headed to streets of southern Ontario and across Canada; 10 people charged
Published April 10, 2024 at 3:50 pm
Ten people are facing numerous charges in connection with an international drug smuggling ring in which large amounts of opium and meth came into Canada from the Middle East via major airports and other ports of entry before being distributed across the GTA and as far away as British Columbia.
In making the arrests and executing a number of search warrants in early March, police officers involved in the multi-jurisdictional investigation dubbed Project Vegas seized more than $2 million in opium (89.6 kilograms) and methamphetamine (13 kilograms) in addition to $310,000 in Canadian cash and a Smith and Wesson .40-calibre handgun.
Spearheading the massive investigation, Peel Regional Police said in a news release on Wednesday the probe honed in on an alleged criminal network responsible for the “international importation and distribution” of illegal drugs.
“Investigation revealed illegal drugs were exported from Middle Eastern countries into other countries, including Canada, utilizing various concealment methods,” police said. “The drugs were then distributed throughout the GTA and into Manitoba and British Columbia.”
A Peel police spokesperson told insauga.com he couldn’t specify exactly which Canadian airports and other ports of entry were utilized, but added “the trafficking occurred by land, sea and air.”
Some of the drugs seized by police. (Photo: Peel Regional Police)
The 10 people charged by police are all from the GTA or nearby.
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Facing charges that include conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and importing/exporting a controlled substance are:
- Ahmed Morid Abedi, 40, of Woodbridge
- Abdul Farqeerzada, 34, of Georgetown
- Zabiullah Amin, 56, of Melancthon
- Ahmed Zubiar Abedi, 33, of Oakville
- Zulgai Samadi, 37, of Toronto
- Aryan Haydari, 38, of Barrie
- Ahmed Tariq Abedi, 50, of Woodbridge
- Balraj Brar, 39, of Mono
- Samira Rosta, 30, of Bradford
A 10th person, Fariba Ahmadi, 53, of Bradford, is charged with breach of trust.
The first eight people charged were held for bail hearings while the last two were released with conditions and will appear in court at a later date, police said.
Among other law enforcement agencies that partnered with members of the Peel police Specialized Enforcement Bureau in the investigation were Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, OPP, York and Halton regional police, Toronto Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
OPP began the investigation and quickly partnered with Peel police and their resources, with Peel taking the lead.
The investigation continues, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 3515, or call Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
This handgun was also among the items seized. (Photo: Peel Regional Police)