
Toronto police seize $83 million worth of cocaine in the largest bust in the city’s history, linked to a notorious Mexican drug cartel.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto police seized 835 kilograms of cocaine valued at $83 million, the largest cocaine bust in the city’s history.
- The operation, dubbed “Project Castillo,” targeted the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a violent Mexican drug organization.
- Six suspects are in custody, with arrest warrants issued for three additional individuals.
- The seizure has caused a 20% increase in the street price of cocaine across Canada.
- The operation involved collaboration between Toronto police, Canada Border Services Agency, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Record-Breaking Cocaine Seizure in Toronto
Toronto police have made history with the largest cocaine seizure in the force’s history, intercepting 835 kilograms of the drug with an estimated street value of $83 million. The operation, named Project Castillo, targeted the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a Mexican drug organization known for its violent crimes and extensive reach across North America.
The cocaine was smuggled through multiple countries, including Mexico and the United States, before reaching Canada. The largest single seizure of 475 kilograms was found in a truck that crossed the Canada-U.S. border, highlighting the sophisticated nature of these international drug trafficking networks.
Looks like WE need to protect our border from drugs and crime coming INTO Canada from the U.S. not the other way around. https://t.co/79hQcTARHv
— Martin Pelletier (@MPelletierCIO) January 22, 2025
Impact on Drug Trade and Arrests
The successful operation has dealt a significant blow to drug distribution networks across Canada. Toronto police Organized Crime Enforcement Superintendent Paul MacIntyre stated the magnitude of the impact, “Following this seizure, the street price of cocaine in Canada has increased by 20 per cent, signalling a direct impact on the distribution networks.”
As a result of Project Castillo, six suspects are now in custody, including Mexican nationals and residents from Markham, Mississauga, and Toronto. Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for three more suspects: two from Mexico and one from Niagara Falls, Ontario. This multi-jurisdictional approach underscores the complexity of modern drug trafficking operations and the need for coordinated law enforcement efforts.
Collaborative Effort and Future Implications
The success of Project Castillo relied heavily on collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies. The Toronto Police Service worked closely with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to execute this operation. Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw emphasized the importance of this cooperation, “Taking these drugs off our streets prevents violence, protects lives, and dismantles dangerous criminal networks. This impact is only possible through the dedication of our members and the invaluable collaboration of our partners.”
This landmark seizure comes at a time when the Canadian federal government has increased efforts to counter illicit drug flow across the Canada-U.S. border, investing $1.3 billion in related agencies. The move is partly in response to potential U.S. tariffs over concerns about drugs and illegal immigration.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Focus
As law enforcement agencies continue to focus on disrupting international drug trafficking networks, the success of Project Castillo serves as a reminder of the importance of inter-agency cooperation and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting our communities from the devastating effects of illegal drugs and associated criminal activities.
Sources:
Largest cocaine seizure in Toronto Police Service history came from Mexican cartel: Chief
$83 million of cartel-linked cocaine originating from US-Mexico border seized in Toronto
$83m Cocaine Bust, Toronto City Record Tied To Cartel