Media Releases – York Regional Police

Investigators from the York Regional Police Gun, Gang and Drug Unit, and their joint operations partners, have made 20 arrests and dismantled a weapons and drug trafficking ring in large scale operating in York region.

In April 2023, police began investigating members and associates of a street gang known as the Haywan Gang. The gang was believed to be involved in trafficking guns and drugs to southern York Region. A Joint Forces Operation (JFO) dubbed Project Lookout has been launched to investigate and target those involved in this criminal gang.

The JFO included investigators from York Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency and the Analysis Center Financial Transactions and Reports of Canada (FINTRAC). The success of this lengthy joint investigation was made possible with the support of the Ontario Criminal Intelligence Service (OCIS), funded by the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

As the operation evolved, investigators identified suspects who supplied Haywan gang members and associates with firearms and high-quality cocaine, which was primarily trafficked in the City of Vaughan.

Project Lookout concluded on June 5, 2024. Search warrants were executed at 33 locations in the Greater Toronto Area. The investigation, which lasted 14 months, resulted in the arrest of 20 people and the filing of nearly 300 charges. Investigators seized 18 firearms, 19.8 kilograms of cocaine, 4.8 kilograms of cannabis as well as a quantity of MDMA, Xanax tablets and oxycodone tablets. The total street value of the seized drugs is more than $2.5 million.

Investigators also seized $244,335 in Canadian currency, four vehicles and luxury watches worth $255,000 as proceeds of crime.

To watch a video highlighting the investigation, click here: https://youtu.be/9szGuN2aFyc

Photos highlighting the investigation can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/46jvup84

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Gun, Gang and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 23.7817, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

Prepared by: Constable Lisa Moskaluk

June 19, 2024