“Project Martini” drug and human trafficking investigation leads to charges against 92 people in Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa and Whitby

via DRPS.

A recent five-week drug and human trafficking investigation, dubbed “Project Martini,” resulted in more than 110 charges filed against 92 suspects.

Durham Regional Police have received numerous concerns about drug and human trafficking from business owners in several hot spots across the region. These concerns were primarily in Oshawa, but also included locations in Ajax, Clarington and Whitby.

The project used drug overdose data to target hot spots and “to direct enforcement efforts and direct support to areas that would have the greatest impact on community and victim safety,” described the police.

Divisional Community Response Teams, with support from the Drug Enforcement Unit and the Human Trafficking Unit, launched the investigation in early May.

Since then, they have searched 11 homes and arrested 92 suspects on a total of 113 criminal charges, including drug trafficking, property crimes, violent crimes and obtaining sexual services. Police did not provide the names of the suspects. Another 62 people were sent to drug treatment centers and 38 received support programs for sex workers.

Police say they discovered three kilograms of methamphetamine, more than a kilogram of cocaine, nearly a kilogram of fentanyl and $30,000 in cash during the project. The estimated street value of the drugs is more than $600,000.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1520.1747 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Indurham Editorial Standards and Policies
advertisement