The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and London Police began Project Gainsborough in June of last year after police became aware of a large scale distribution of cannabis and it’s derivatives as well as the trafficking of cocaine in the London area.
Police identified a sophisticated criminal organization responsible for operating an illegal cannabis website with delivery to London, Kitchener, Hamilton and Toronto. Members or associates of this organization have also exported the illegal goods to numerous locations domestically and worldwide including Europe and South America.
As a result of the operation investigators identified two cannabis extraction labs located in Brampton and Middlesex County. With the added assistance of Peel Regional Police, the 2 other forces were able to dismantle the labs and ensure there were no concerns for public safety.
On November 3rd police executed 15 search warrants with 8 in London, 2 in Hamilton, 1 in Toronto, 1 in St. Thomas, 1 in Middlesex County and 2 in Norfolk County.
As a result of the investigation police seized 495 kilograms of illegal cannabis resin/oil, 7166 kilograms of illegal cannabis bud, 10,000 illegal cannabis edibles, 2773 of illegal cannabis shake, 185 kilograms of illegal cannabis shatter, 15,343 illegal cannabis plants, 65 kilograms of psilocybin, 124 grams of cocaine, 28 oxycodone pills, 50 hydromorphone pills, grow equipment valued at more than $653,000, six firearms with ammunition, more than $53,000 in Canadian currency and six vehicles as offence related property with a combined value of $163,000.
A total of 21 people have been charged with 118 offences including Criminal Organization Offences. 3 of the accused were held in custody and 18 were released and scheduled to appear at a London court on various dates in November and December.