It's 'the largest seizure of fentanyl in OPP history,' commissioner says after Project Golden drug bust

Police have charged 15 people and seized what they describe as "an alarming quantity" of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine following an 11-month investigation into a drug trafficking network based in southwestern Ontario.

In a news release on Tuesday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the culmination of Project GOLDEN, which was carried out with support from Hamilton Police Service, other GTA police services and the RCMP, saw the seizure of 38 kg of suspected fentanyl, 19.5 kg of suspected methamphetamine, 5.5 kg of suspected cocaine and other drugs, with an estimated street-value of $5.4 million.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said it's "the largest seizure of fentanyl in OPP history," adding that "this record-breaking seizure would not have been possible without the dedication of our members and partner agencies."

Police seized the drugs on May 28 after executing search warrants on 16 residences and businesses and eight vehicles in Oxford County, Norfolk County, Hamilton, Mississauga, York Region, Burlington and Toronto, the release said.

"Project GOLDEN has taken a significant amount of deadly fentanyl and illegal firearms off Hamilton's streets-saving lives, protecting families, and making our neighbourhoods safer," said Hamilton Police Service Supt. Marty Schulenberg.

"The opioid crisis has devastated our community, and while enforcement is not the only answer, it is a vital part of the solution. Every gram seized and every gun removed is a step toward a safer Hamilton."

In late May, London, Ont., police announced their largest drug bust in the force's history, seizing $2.7 million in fentanyl, along with other drugs, guns and cash.

The five-month investigation, including several police forces, led to searching six residences in London, Toronto and Hamilton, where police found close to 35 kg of fentanyl. 

Nabarun Dasgupta, a senior scientist at the University of North Carolina's Opioid Data Lab, told CBC News in May that the "worst thing we could do right now is crack down too quickly on fentanyl."' He fears a repeat of increased drug toxicity if the supply was to be squeezed too hard and too quickly, like what was seen during the pandemic.