Largest meth bust in Halton police history leads to charges for Brampton and Mississauga men

Halton Regional Police say the largest methamphetamine bust in their history has led to charges for Brampton and Mississauga men.

An estimated $5 million in illegal drugs have been seized following an extensive drug trafficking investigation, the police service said today.

A  joint-force investigation with Waterloo Regional Police focused on a network of individuals believed to be involved in the importation and distribution of illicit substances within the Greater Toronto Area, Halton police said.

Dubbed “Project Jester,” the investigation started after a traffic stop on March 27 this year. A large quantity of illicit drugs was found in a vehicle bound for Quebec, police said.

On May 7,  another traffic stop in Brampton turned up “a significant amount of illicit drugs” in a vehicle, police said.

Following the May 7 traffic stop, police said officers executed a search warrant at a commercial building in Brampton. Police said the building was used for drug processing and packaging.

Officers seized 20 kilograms of cocaine and 273 kilograms of methamphetamine, police said.

This is the largest methamphetamine seizure in Halton Regional Police history, police added.

The combined street value of the methamphetamine and cocaine is estimated at $5 million, police said.

Photo: Halton Regional Police

“This investigation reflects the dedication of law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and dismantle criminal operations,” said Deputy Chief Jeff Hill, Investigative and Frontline Support Services, Halton Regional Police.

“The individuals involved in this trafficking network will face the full consequences of their actions, and we will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities”

Photo: Halton Regional Police

Two men face drug trafficking charges.

Taleb Saleh, 36, of Mississauga, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Sukhveer Birring, 33, of Brampton, has been charged with trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, and  two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine.

Both Saleh and Birring were held in custody pending their respective bail hearings in Milton.