Police west of Toronto have made the largest methamphetamine bust in the history of the Halton Regional Police Service, seizing $5 million worth of drugs as part of a joint-force investigation. The operation, dubbed "Project Jester," targeted drug trafficking across the Greater Toronto Area. Two men are in custody following the seizure, which included a significant quantity of illicit drugs found in two separate vehicles.
The investigation began on March 27, when officers stopped a vehicle headed to Quebec and found the driver in possession of a large quantity of illicit drugs. A second traffic stop was made on May 7 at a commercial location in Brampton, where more drugs were found inside another vehicle. These stops led investigators to obtain a search warrant for a commercial building in Brampton, which was being used to process and package the drugs.
The search warrant yielded a significant haul, with police seizing 20 kg of cocaine and 273 kg of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine seizure is the largest in the history of the Halton Regional Police Service, with the total drugs having an estimated street value of about $5 million. The investigation reflects the dedication of law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and dismantle criminal operations.
Two men, Taleb Saleh, 36, of Mississauga, and Sukhveer Birring, 33, of Brampton, are each charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. Both men remain in custody pending bail hearings. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them or Crime Stoppers to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The successful operation is a significant blow to drug trafficking in the area, and law enforcement officials are praising the efforts of the joint task force. Deputy Chief Jeff Hill of the Halton police's Investigative and Frontline Support Services noted that the individuals involved in this trafficking network will face the full consequences of their actions, and the police will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety and well-being of the community.