Niagara Police smash large drug trafficking ring

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Niagara Regional Police have smashed what they’re calling a large cocaine and marijuana trafficking ring. It was based in St. Catharines, but had connections to organized crime links in Toronto.
“Project Bluenose” netted 12 suspects and a large quantity of drugs. One hundred officers, led by the Niagara Police drug squad, swooped down on 15 homes across the Golden Horseshoe early this morning. 11 locations in St. Catharines alone, from a house beside an orchard on Seventh Street, to Oakdale Avenue and a fifth floor apartment on Ontario Street. And Roehampton and Roseland Avenues in the north end.

They seized a significant amount of cocaine and cash, as well as marijuana and other drugs.

12 were arrested – 9 from St. Catharines. Most of those arrested are in their 20’s. All are facing a range of drug trafficking charges. Those arrested include 29 year old Wilbur Morales, his friend Marvin Pineda. Also 26 year old year old Laura Cortes, and 27 year
old Senad Hirkic.

Police had been watching the activities of this group for the past six months, using high tech investigative techniques to gather evidence. Staff Sergeant Shawn Clarkson says this group filled a void after police took down the Outlaws and Black Pistons motorcycle gangs in St. Catharines in an operation called ‘Project Resurgence’. “They had certain ties to the Project Resurgence group in 2013, but they branched out on their own.”

The” Project Bluenose” investigation isn’t over. Police anticipate more charges and more arrests.