It was on Wednesday morning when police officers all across Ontario made history by performing the largest meth bust in Ontario’s history. The investigation was dubbed as “Project Newton” and it lasted for 18 months and was led by the Hamilton Police, who also relied on the Halton Regional Police, the Niagara Regional Police, the OPP, and the RCMP. In total, there were 175 police officers involved in the final raids on 23 homes and businesses.
And it’s not only the number of investigators that was impressive; it was also the amount of goods that were seized. Crystal meth was the main narcotic that was seized, with about $3 million worth of the drug being seized. About $1 million worth of anabolic steroids were also seized. In addition to the narcotics, there were also houses and vehicles worth over $400,000 and $140,000 in cash.
Officers and investigators charged 21 people with over 90 charges involving the possession of drugs including anabolic steroids, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and crystal meth. In addition to possession of the drugs, charges were also laid for trafficking, conspiracy to traffic, possession of proceeds of a crime, producing anabolic steroids and trafficking cocaine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and crystal meth. Among those with charges laid against them, the most surprising is probably Constable Andrew Pauls, a Hamilton police officer who has been charged with a breach of trust for leaking information to the main suspect that he was under investigation.
During a press release Hamilton Police Chief stated, “The Hamilton Police Service remains committed to the eradication of drugs, guns, and gang activity and the relentless pursuit of offenders as we work to keep our citizens safe.” But the case isn’t exactly closed just yet. The investigation still continues and more arrests are expected to be made in the near future.
