31 guns, 12.5 kg of fentanyl and $2M in drugs seized after Project Alias probe
OPP and London police seized 31 firearms, 12.5 kg of fentanyl and 4.5 kg of cocaine after a year-long probe. Eleven people in their 20s face more than 200 charges.
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By Torontoer Staff
Ontario Provincial Police and London police say a year-long investigation into multiple criminal networks has resulted in the seizure of 31 firearms, large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, and the laying of more than 200 charges.
The operation, called Project Alias, culminated in coordinated search warrants executed on Jan. 14 across London and in Toronto. Investigators allege the networks were collaborating to source illegal firearms and high-capacity magazines from the United States and to traffic high volumes of fentanyl and cocaine domestically.
What police recovered
Police reported seizing 12.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 4.5 kilograms of cocaine, along with other pills and illegal substances. The estimated street value of the drugs exceeds $2 million. Officers also removed 31 firearms and high-capacity magazines from circulation, as well as high-end jewellery, multiple cellphones and electronics, two vehicles and $64,000 in cash.
- 12.5 kilograms of fentanyl
- 4.5 kilograms of cocaine
- 31 firearms and high-capacity magazines
- High-end jewellery, cellphones and electronics
- Two vehicles
- $64,000 in cash
Police say the seized firearms originated in several U.S. states, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio and Virginia. Investigators allege two people were involved in sourcing weapons from south of the border.
Who was targeted and the charges
Eleven individuals, all in their 20s, face a combined 214 charges linked to the trafficking of firearms and drugs. Nine of the accused were arrested during the operation. Two people remain outstanding and arrest warrants have been issued.
Police emphasised that investigators identified multiple criminal networks working together, rather than a single, known organised crime group. Authorities say the networks collaborated to source firearms and large quantities of drugs for distribution in Ontario.
Police assessment and public safety impact
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique framed the seizure as a significant public safety intervention, noting the lethal potential of the drugs taken off the street. He provided a comparison to underscore the scale of the fentanyl seizure.
To put that into perspective, 12.5 kilograms of fentanyl represents approximately 125,000 potential lethal street-level doses, enough to take the lives of a quarter of the population of London. Seizing this quantity of fentanyl has undoubtedly prevented overdoses and saved lives.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique
Law enforcement described the investigation as a response to a 'concerning escalation of violence' in London. Police say Project Alias began in London and ran for roughly a year, with investigators tracking the flow of firearms and drugs between suppliers and local distributors.
Cross-border trafficking and trends
Authorities say the firearms originated in multiple U.S. states, and that two individuals were involved in sourcing weapons from the United States. The investigation illustrates how illegal cross-border supply can feed local networks, according to police statements.
Investigators did not tie the people charged to a single, established organised crime group. Instead, police described the activity as collaboration among several separate networks to obtain weapons and drugs for local distribution.
Next steps and community implications
Nine accused remain in custody or have been processed, while warrants are outstanding for two others. Police did not release names. Charges cover a range of offences related to trafficking, possession of illegal firearms and other criminal activity.
Officials said the seizures will disrupt supply chains for both weapons and illegal drugs. Investigators also indicated the probe is part of wider efforts to address violent incidents and drug-related harm in the region.
Members of the public with information related to Project Alias or the outstanding suspects were urged to contact police. London police and the OPP continue to investigate connections and any further distribution networks linked to the seized items.
The operation highlights ongoing challenges for Ontario law enforcement in stemming the flow of drugs and firearms into local markets, and underscores the role of multi-agency investigations in responding to violent crime and the opioid crisis.
A final court schedule for the accused had not been released at the time of the police statement.
LondonOPPdrugsfirearmsProject Alias
