Halton Regional Police have arrested four men in relation a drug trafficking investigation dubbed Project Atlas.
During the summer months, members of the Halton Regional Police Service - Drug and Human Trafficking Unit initiated an investigation into the alleged inter-provincial trafficking of cocaine and proceeds between Ontario and western Canada.
"The (alleged) trafficking of cocaine and proceeds relied upon individuals engaging in specific roles in order to facilitate this drug pipeline," said police in a press release. "This included the use of sophisticated hydraulic traps installed in vans for the sole purpose of moving drugs and currency, along with GPS devices to track the crime vehicles' movements."
Between Aug. 24 and 25, members of the Drug and Human Trafficking Unit and supporting Halton Regional Police Service units executed eight warrants (three residential condominiums, five vehicles) in the Toronto area. Police say three of the five vehicles contained covert traps within.
At the conclusion of the investigation investigators seized:
- 126 kg of cocaine
- Over $1.2 million in Canadian currency
- Three vehicles as offence-related property
- Cutting agent, along with stamping plates used to reprocess cocaine
- Money counters.
“Given the increasing overdose epidemic and the harms associated with the illicit drug supply, this interdiction of such a large quantity of cocaine will undoubtedly save many lives," said Inspector Dave Costantini, Regional Investigative Emergency Services. "In addition, this major disruption will also force those involved in organized crime to answer for their choices."
The approximate street level value of the seized drugs exceeds $10 million.
The following individuals have been charged:
- Kenneth Dang (39) of Maple
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (two counts)
- Kyu Chang Park (39) of Etobicoke
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (two counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Chin Eng Pong (35) of North York
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (two counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Chandara Saroeung Svy (35) of Toronto
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (two counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
