17 arrests made in ‘precedent-setting’ investigation into organized crime in Hamilton

Seventeen people have been arrested in connection with a multi-jurisdictional investigation into organized crime activities in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

During a news conference on Thursday, the Hamilton Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police revealed details of a two-year-long investigation dubbed Project Skyfall.

The investigation was launched in September 2019 and looked into the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms-related offenses.

Investigators say 145 charges were laid in what police referred to as a “precedent-setting” investigation. They say the accused are from a number of different organized crime groups.

“We know drugs have a significant impact on the streets of Hamilton. They are associated with a rise in violence and the rise, also, of opioid deaths,” said Insp. Mark Stiller, Hamilton police. “Over the two-year investigation, there were approximately 150 warrants and other judicial authorizations filed.”

During that time, police seized 29 kilograms of cocaine, three kilograms of methamphetamine, 400 grams of fentanyl and 440 lbs of illegal cannabis. The street value of the drugs seized is estimated at more than $5.5 million.

Investigators say 13 handguns, a rifle, a taser and five firearm silencers were seized as well as $765,000 in cash.

“Project Skyfall dismantled a network of people who transpired to traffic in some of the deadliest drugs that impact our community,” said RCMP Sup. Jeff Cooper. “The presence of these drugs and other illicit synthetic opioids in our communities is a grave threat to Canadians.”