London police and OPP seize 31 U.S.-sourced crime guns and 12.5 kg of fentanyl
A year-long investigation led to 214 charges against 11 people, and the seizure of 31 crime guns, 12.5 kg of fentanyl and drugs with an estimated street value over $2 million.
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By Torontoer Staff
A year-long London, Ont., investigation into alleged trafficking of firearms and drugs has resulted in 214 charges against 11 people and a major seizure of weapons and narcotics, police said. Investigators recovered 31 crime guns, 12.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and drugs with an estimated street value of more than $2 million.
London Police Service led the intelligence-driven probe, codenamed Project ALIAS, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit and Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. Police say the quantity of fentanyl seized equates to roughly 125,000 potentially lethal street-level doses.
How the investigation unfolded
London police opened the initial inquiry in fall 2024 after an increase in firearm-related violence. As the probe developed, investigators found evidence of illegal firearms, high-capacity magazines and large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. The scope and links identified prompted the launch of Project ALIAS in January 2025, with OPP units joining the effort for a broader, inter-jurisdictional response.
The amount of fentanyl seized is equivalent to 125,000 potentially lethal street-level doses.
London Police Service
What was seized
At a press conference, investigators provided a consolidated list of items taken during the operation. Police said initial testing indicated the fentanyl had relatively high purity but had been mixed with other substances, producing variable potency.
- 31 crime firearms
- 25 prohibited devices, including over-capacity magazines and auto switches
- 1 imitation firearm
- 12.5 kg suspected fentanyl
- 4.5 kg suspected cocaine
- 275 oxycodone pills
- 460 hydromorphone pills
- 75 alprazolam pills
- CAN $64,000
- Two vehicles listed as offence-related property
- High-end jewellery
- Multiple cell phones and electronic devices
Alleged networks and cross-border sourcing
Police said investigators identified multiple, independently operated criminal networks that appeared capable of sourcing illegal firearms and large quantities of drugs. While the groups appeared to cooperate at times, police said the individuals involved are not linked to a single, known organised crime group.
Evidence indicated most trafficking activity took place within Ontario. Investigators allege two individuals were involved in sourcing firearms from the United States, a factor that helped bring OPP weapons and organised crime units into the investigation.
Charges, legal next steps and public impact
Authorities laid 214 charges against 11 people as a result of Project ALIAS. Police did not list all charges publicly at the press conference, but said court proceedings are expected to follow as investigators finalise evidence and prepare cases.
Investigators described the seizure as a significant disruption to illicit supply lines in the region, noting the large volume of fentanyl and the presence of prohibited firearm accessories that increase lethality and risk in street-level incidents.
They are not associated with a single, known organised crime group, but we identified collaboration between several criminal networks.
investigators
What comes next
Police say investigations remain active as officers analyse electronic devices and financial records seized during the operation. Charges already laid will move through the court system, and investigators indicated they will continue work to dismantle supply chains and identify further links.
The scale of the fentanyl seizure underscores ongoing public health and safety risks associated with synthetic opioids. Police reiterated appeals for public information and tips to help identify additional activity related to the networks under investigation.
Project ALIAS marks the latest coordinated effort by municipal and provincial units to target firearms and drug trafficking in southwestern Ontario. Authorities said they will provide updates as charges proceed and investigations continue.
London ONPoliceFentanylFirearmsOPP
