Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has seized nine guns and laid nearly 100 charges after a lengthy investigation titled Project Medusa.
The multi-month firearms and drug investigation was executed by the HRPS Regional Drug and Organized Crime Unit. Medusa focused on the distribution of illicit drugs, primarily cocaine, in Halton region and the surrounding GTA.
Throughout the course of the investigation, individuals suspected to be involved in illicit sales of drugs were identified and on Oct. 17 and 18 the HRPS arrested three males.
Four search warrants were also executed in the Toronto area, as a result of the investigation the following was seized:
Drugs:
- 7 kilograms of cocaine
- 1/2 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine
- 1/2 kilogram fentanyl
- 114 grams of ketamine
- 678 Oxycodone tablets
- 38 Benzocaine tablets
- Numerous cutting agents and manufacturing materials for fentanyl
Firearms:
- A loaded 9mm carbine with high capacity magazine – Kel Tec
- A loaded 9 mm - Springfield Hellcat
- A loaded 9 mm – Glock 26 with (serial number removed)
- A loaded 45 Cal – Glock 43
- 45 Cal - Glock 43
- 9 mm - Glock 19
- 9 mm – Glock 23
- 9 mm – P80 handgun (Ghost gun)
- 9 mm – Glock 21
- Approximately 250 Rounds of ammunition
Further, Police also seized a stolen re-vinned Mercedes that was being operated by one of the accused along with approximately $60,000 in bundled currency.
A video summary of the investigation and comments from Deputy Chief, Jeff Hill and Detective Sergeant Barrett Gabriel:
The following men face a combined 85 charges in relation to this investigation and further charges are anticipated.
- Trevor Beriualt (33 years old) of North York - 19 charges in regards to drug trafficking.
- Abdulwahab Shiekh (28 years old) of North York- 65 charges in regards to weapons trafficking, firearms offences including the breach of two firearms prohibition orders and drug trafficking.
- Michael Estrada Souza (31 years old) of Toronto – one charge in regards to possession of property obtained by crime.
"Project Medusa exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the Halton Regional Police Service to community safety," said Superintendent Dave Stewart of Regional Investigative Services.
"Through meticulous investigation over several months, our officers successfully removed nine illegal firearms, and a large quantity of illicit drugs from our streets. This project also resulted in the arrest of three individuals who now face close to 100 charges collectively. The successful conclusion of Project Medusa has undoubtedly made Halton region and the GTA a safer place for all.”
The successful completion of this lengthy investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Regional Drug and Organized Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.