An Ontario-wide drug bust, including a search here in Oakville, has resulted in the seizure of more then 130 kilograms of drugs.
More than 11.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 123 kilograms of cannabis has been seized after a joint forces Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) investigation.
The Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Peel Regional Police (PRP), Toronto Police Service (TPS) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) commenced this investigation in February 2024 after information led them to a network of individuals involved in drug trafficking, including the exportation of illegal cannabis and suspected cocaine.
In May 2024, two search warrants were executed, where the investigative team seized a total of 11.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 123 kilograms of illegal cannabis concealed within shipping containers at the Port of Montreal. The estimated street-value of the drugs seized is $630,000.
On June 27, 2024, members from the BEST executed seven search warrants in Niagara Falls, Oakville, Brampton and Kitchener with the assistance of the OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit (PAFU), OPP-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG), OPP-led Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU), OPP Urban Search and Rescue, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Response Team (UCRT), OPP Digital Forensics and uniform members from the Cambridge, Niagara and Mississauga OPP Detachments as well as CBSA, PRP, TPS and the RCMP.
Darko Tambur, age 37, of Niagara Falls, and Damir Dedic, age 53, of Kitchener, have each been charged with the following offences contrary to the CDSA and Cannabis Act:
- Trafficking Schedule I Substance
- Exporting Schedule I Substance
- Importing and exporting cannabis
Tambur was arrested and released and is scheduled for a first appearance on Aug. 12, 2024, in Milton. An arrest warrant has been issued for Dedic.
"This investigation shows the true value of collaboration with our provincial and national policing partners," said OPP Detective Superintendent Lee Fulford, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.
"Criminal networks continue to exploit our borders, and with partnerships such as the Border Enforcement Security Task Force, we can curb their importation and exportation attempts. We will continue to investigate any person or group involved in criminal activity with a connection to our borders, and beyond."
Michael Prosia, Acting Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency, added, "The Canada Border Services Agency works closely with our law enforcement partners both within and across the border in the fight against drug trafficking. Our officers are steadfast in their commitment to protecting our communities and preventing illegal drugs from entering Canada."
The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
The BEST is led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE). This is a multi-agency, cross-border enforcement team which includes members from the CBSA, the OPP, as well as various national and international partners. The primary responsibility of the BEST program is to identify, investigate, dismantle and prosecute persons and groups involved in organized crime activity with a nexus to the international border.