NIAGARA FALLS – Several residents of the Niagara Region, Sudbury and Ottawa face numerous charges following a multi-jurisdiction investigation into a drug trafficking network involving members and associates of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs).
Project SKYLARK began as a high-level investigation targeting members of the Hells Angels Nomads, the Red Devils MC and the Hooligans MC and their association to a drug trafficking network. Members from these OMGs have facilitated the trafficking of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the Niagara Region, Sudbury and Ottawa area.
At a news conference on Wednesday, OPP Superintendent Bryan MacKILLOP and representatives from the project’s partner agencies unveiled details of the investigation and photos of the evidence seized during the 14-month investigation. Project SKYLARK was conducted by the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS), Ottawa Police Service and Hamilton Police Service. Members of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) and similar specialty units from numerous law enforcement partners assisted in the execution of search warrants last week at locations within the Niagara Region, Sudbury, Ottawa and the Town of Blind River.
During the course of the investigation, the investigative team combined to seize 12.5kg of cocaine, 12.2kg of cannabis, 640 grams of shatter, 1400 packages of cannabis edibles, fentanyl patches, 2000 methamphetamine tablets, as well as Hells Angels and Red Devils MC patches. Project SKYLARK investigators seized 11 firearms and 700 rounds of ammunition, $75,000 in Canadian currency, $30,000 in jewelry, multiple vehicles including three (3) motorcycles and one residence.
Fifteen people have been charged with 195 offences, including charges related to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Criminal Code of Canada and the Cannabis Act.
The accused persons were held in custody upon arrest and are expected to appear at an Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury at various times and dates. The investigation continues.
Project Skylark Addendum of… by james1572 on Scribd
