An investigation into an organized crime group allegedly involving outlaw motorcycle clubs by multiple police forces in Ontario has resulted in dozens of arrests, hundreds of charges, the seizure of multiple firearms and more than $1 million in drugs.
In a statement released on Friday, police revealed 55 search warrants were executed in Durham Region, Belleville, Madoc, Montreal, Hamilton and Toronto. 28 arrests were made and 291 charges were laid for offences, including break-and-enter, participation in a criminal organization, firearm trafficking and possession of controlled substances.
The six-month probe dubbed Project KAKIA was led by Durham Regional Police’s (DRPS) Gun and Gang Enforcement Unit. The operation was conducted in partnership with the RCMP Transnational Serious and Organized Crime Unit, the Canada Border Services Agency, Ontario Province Police and police services in Peterborough, Toronto and Belleville.
The police investigated multiple criminal networks that allegedly involved members of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club from the Brooklin and Belleville charters and the Red Devils Motorcycle Club.
Officers seized approximately $1.2 million in drugs and 32 firearms — five shotguns, 15 rifles and 12 handguns. The drugs seized included cocaine, psilocybin, cannabis marijuana, cannabis resin, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and cannabis edibles packaged as candy.
Police also seized two percussion grenades, overcapacity magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, five vehicles, $290,000 in cash and $148,000 in property allegedly obtained by crime.
The investigation also provided additional information related to a homicide that occurred in Oshawa, Ont. on Nov. 29, 2020, in which a father of two Justin Blight, 27, was gunned down in a shootout at an apartment on Simcoe St. near Athol St.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is urged to call the DRPS Gun and Gang Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5800, or the RCMP in Ontario at 1-800-387-0020, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
