Project Katoomba, a multi-jurisdictional investigation led by the Brantford Police Services High Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), arrested a Toronto man for trafficking controlled substances in the City of Brantford and throughout Southwestern Ontario.
Led by the Brantford Police Service, with assistance from Chatham-Kent Police Service, Project Katoomba was a drug investigation initiated in November 2023, which focused on the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine within Southwestern Ontario.
On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, members of the Brantford Police Service High Enforcement Action Team located and arrested the accused man at a North York location.
Members of the Brantford Police Service Emergency Services Team, K-9 Unit, Identification Unit and the Tactical Intelligence Generating Enforcement and Response Unit (TIGER) provided valuable assistance with the investigation.
Subsequently, police received judicial authorization to search the accused’s vehicle, along with a residence in Paris, and a residence in North York.
The following items were seized as a result of the search warrants:
- Approximately 186.4 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $37,280
- Approximately 476.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $47,680
- Approximately 257.6 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $25,760
- Drug packaging materials
- Canadian currency
- Various items utilized in drug production including cutting agents, scales, and a hydraulic press
As a result of the investigation, and subsequent searches, police seized $117, 720 worth of illegal substances and a 32-year-old man from North York, stands charged with the following violations of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
The accused was held for bail.
Project Katoomba will improve the safety of our communities by reducing the presence of, and violence surrounding the trade of illegal substances. The success of this project can be attributed to the collaboration of policing partners and agencies, including assistance from the Chatham-Kent Police Service and the Toronto Police Service.
