Project Mover investigation leads to biggest fentanyl bust in Halton Police history

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Published June 2, 2021 at 3:04 pm

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A year-long investigation has resulted in nine arrests and the seizure of more than $4 million worth of fentanyl, the largest in Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) history.

Project Mover, conducted by the HRPS Drug and Human Trafficking Unit, began in late 2019 and concluded with the seizure of more than 10.25 kilograms of fentanyl.

Nine individuals face a total of 30 charges in relation to the investigation.

One of the accused, Ian Singh, 31, of Markham, has been given the longest sentence ever handed out on a drug-related charge laid by the HRPS.

Singh, who was charged with multiple offences, including two counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking of Fentanyl, was found guilty in court on Monday and handed a 15-year sentence solely on the offence of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking of Fentanyl.

This case (R vs. Singh) has now established a precedent which specifies that 15 years will be the estimated starting sentence on charges resulting from possessing multiple kilograms of fentanyl.

The other eight accused individuals in Project Mover still face sentencing for the charges laid against them.

“In the course of the pandemic, fentanyl has been identified as a direct contributor to 87 per cent of opioid-related deaths in the province. It truly is a scourge on society,” said Jeff Hill, Deputy Chief of Regional Operations. “We are grateful for the strong message sent by the judicial system to those who choose to traffic in dangerous and illicit substances.

“These drugs and the criminals who traffic them have no place in our region and we vow to continue to relentlessly pursue those who put our communities at risk.”

The HRPS remind everyone community safety is a shared responsibility and they urge anyone who has information regarding the trafficking of illicit drugs to call the Drug and Human Tracking Unit at 905-825-4777, ext. 5331.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

 

 

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