Brampton Men Charged in Major Drug Trafficking Scheme

Brampton | Ontario | Crime | Latest News |

Published July 23, 2018 at 6:25 pm

Charges have been laid in an 18-month drug trafficking investigation.

Charges have been laid in an 18-month drug trafficking investigation.

A huge police investigation has led to charges against eight Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The RCMP and Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) collaborated with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and foreign police agencies to lay charges.

According to the RCMP, two Canadian nationals in Bermuda were arrested for importing Fentanyl into Bermuda from Canada.
“The ensuing Canadian investigation led to uncovering several criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking activities throughout the GTA,” reads a recent release from the RCMP.
“The investigation led to the coordinated seizures of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Marihuana, Counterfeit US currency, twelve (12) hand guns and ammunition and one (1) hand grenade. Also seized was approximately $29,000.00 Canadian currency.”

On July 18 and 19, the following individuals were charged:

Robert Collins, 37, of Bowmanville, was charged with:

  • Exporting Fentanyl – contrary the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA);
  • Conspiracy to Export Fentanyl – contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC);
  • Trafficking in Fentanyl – contrary to the CDSA x 2;
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl – contrary to the CCC;
  • Trafficking in Methamphetamine – contrary to the CDSA x 2;
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine – contrary to the CCC;
  • Conspiracy to Export Methamphetamine – contrary to CCC;
  • Trafficking in Cocaine – contrary to the CDSA x 3;
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine – contrary to the CCC x 2;
  • Trafficking Marihuana – contrary to the CDSA;
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime – contrary to the CCC x 5;
  • Uttering Counterfeit US. Currency – contrary to the CCC;
  • Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm – contrary to CCC.

Brian Luckman, 49, of Brampton, was charged with:

  • Trafficking in Methamphetamine – contrary to the CDSA;
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine – contrary to the CCC;
  • Conspiracy to Export Methamphetamine – contrary to the CCC;
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime – contrary to the CCC.

Desmond Kerr, 47, of Brampton, was charged with:

  • Exporting Fentanyl – contrary to the CDSA;
  • Conspiracy to Export Fentanyl – contrary to the CCC;
  • Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm – contrary to the CCC.

Stephanie Legge, 31, and Jean Simmons, 43, of Mississauga, were charged with:

  • Exporting Fentanyl – contrary to the CDSA;
  • Conspiracy to Export Fentanyl – contrary to the CCC;
  • Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm – contrary to the CCC.

Faruk Sebastian Portobanco, 39, of Toronto, was charged with:

  • Trafficking in Fentanyl – contrary to the CDSA x 2;
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl – contrary to the CCC;
  • Trafficking in Cocaine – contrary to the CDSA x 2;
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine – contrary to the CCC x 2;
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime – contrary to the CCC x 3;
  • Multiple gun related offences – contrary to the CCC.

Lemar Patrick Burke, 26, of Pickering, was charged with:

  • Trafficking in Methamphetamine – contrary to the CDSA x 2;
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine – contrary to the CCC;
  • Conspiracy to Export Methamphetamine – contrary to the CCC;
  • Trafficking in Cocaine – contrary to the CDSA;
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime – contrary to the CCC

Craig Lawrence, 37, of Markham, was charged with:

  • Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm – contrary to the CCC

“Serious and Organized Crime in Canada is a multi-faceted and borderless problem impacting all Canadians, directly or indirectly”, said Inspector Donna Streeter, Officer in Charge – Toronto North Serious and Organized Crime Team in the statement.

“Through a variety of specialized programs and teams, the RCMP combats serious and organized crime by implementing intelligence-led police operations with the collaboration of domestic and international partners.”

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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