Peel Regional Police have made the largest drug seizure in their history by confiscating 479 kilograms of cocaine valued at nearly $50 million from a sophisticated transnational smuggling network. The bust, completed in early June 2025, led to the arrest of nine men from southern Ontario and the laying of 35 charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offences. This operation, known as Project Pelican, involved collaboration with Canadian and U.S. law enforcement agencies and targeted commercial trucking routes used to transport drugs into the Greater Toronto Area.
Details of the Seizure and Arrests
The cocaine seizure took place over several coordinated raids in early June 2025 across multiple locations in southern Ontario. Peel Regional Police officers, assisted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), intercepted commercial trucks suspected of transporting illicit drugs. The operation successfully uncovered a well-organized network responsible for smuggling large quantities of cocaine into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) using legitimate commercial freight routes.
As a result of these raids, nine men ranging in age from their late 20s to early 50s were arrested. These individuals face a combined total of 35 charges, including possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy to traffic drugs, and various firearms offences. Police reports confirm that firearms, cash, and additional contraband were seized during the raids, indicative of the network’s sophisticated criminal operations.
Operation Pelican and Interagency Cooperation
Project Pelican, the code name for the investigation, was launched in late 2024 following intelligence reports indicating heightened drug trafficking activities along commercial trucking corridors between the United States and Canada. The operation emphasized intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement actions among Peel Regional Police, the RCMP, and U.S. agencies such as HSI.
This cross-border collaboration was crucial in tracking the movement of cocaine from its source to distribution points in the GTA. Surveillance methods, controlled deliveries, and undercover operations enabled law enforcement to build a strong case against the transnational syndicate, culminating in the large-scale arrests and seizures.
Impact on Drug Trafficking in the Region
The seizure of 479 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $50 million, represents a significant disruption to the drug supply chain feeding the GTA and surrounding regions. Peel Regional Police have characterized this bust as the most substantial drug enforcement success in the force’s history.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that dismantling such networks helps reduce the availability of dangerous narcotics on local streets, thereby contributing to community safety and public health. Police authorities continue to monitor related trafficking activities and encourage the public to report suspicious behavior to support ongoing investigations.
Statements from Authorities
Peel Regional Police Chief stated, “This significant seizure demonstrates our commitment to combating drug trafficking through intelligence-driven policing and partnership with domestic and international agencies. We will remain vigilant in protecting our communities from the harms caused by illicit drugs.”
A spokesperson for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations added, “Cross-border collaboration is essential in addressing the complex challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations. This successful operation exemplifies what can be achieved when agencies work together.”
The successful conclusion of Project Pelican marks a major milestone in the fight against drug trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. The arrest of nine individuals and the seizure of 479 kilograms of cocaine valued at nearly $50 million reveal the scale and sophistication of transnational criminal networks operating along commercial trucking routes. The coordinated efforts between Peel Regional Police, the RCMP, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations highlight the effectiveness of international collaboration and intelligence sharing in dismantling such organizations. As authorities continue to monitor and combat illicit drug activities, this operation serves as a strong deterrent and reinforces the ongoing commitment to safeguarding public safety and health in the region.