Four Toronto residents have been arrested in a massive cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl bust Toronto police are linking to Mexican drug cartels.
Police announced the arrests in the months-long operation Project Cerro at a Wednesday news conference detailing the seizure of 364 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 20 kilograms of cocaine, and 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl, in total worth more than $32 million, .
“The only people that would probably have the ability to supply this amount would have to be cartel-based,” Supt. Steven Watts told reporters, noting especially how the crystal meth is being manufactured to a “pure level” by drug cartels.
The arrests show how drugs are being smuggled through the southern United States in what appears to be increasing quantities, he said.
“Organized crime groups continue to seize the opportunity.”
The bust included searches on seven Toronto condo units. In two of them, police say they found furniture with hidden compartments to hide contraband.
“We’re alleging these were stash houses,” Watts said.
According to police, the arrests announced Wednesday were the continuation of a previous investigation which led to the largest single-day drug seizure in Toronto police history, announced last November.
Project Zafiro included seizures of 520 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 151 kilograms of cocaine worth almost $60 million combined.
“At that time, there was still further investigation to be conducted,” Watts said.
Watts added that the illegal drug trade is fueling gun violence in the city.
Four loaded Glock firearms were also seized in the Project Cerro investigation, along with seven motor vehicles, and more than $500,000 in Canadian currency.
The seized vehicles included a stolen 2022 Land Rover Range Rover, with an estimated value of $150,000.
The four men were arrested by the Toronto Police Service Drug Squad on Jan. 17.
Paul Lelutiu, 35, of Toronto, has been charged with conspiracy to commit and indictable offense of traffic in a controlled substance as well as with nine counts of possession schedule I substance for the purposes of trafficking, in connection with the investigation.
Troy Anthony Robinson, 40, of Toronto, has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order, conspiracy to commit an indictable offense of traffic in a controlled substance and nine counts of possession schedule I substance for the purposes of trafficking.
Manasinh Jittavong, 39, of Toronto, has been charged with conspiracy to commit and indictable offense of traffic in a controlled substance and nine counts of possession schedule I substance for the purposes of trafficking.
Soheil Baharloo, 34, of Toronto, has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, careless storage of a firearm, conspiracy to commit and indictable offense of traffic in a controlled substance and nine counts of possession schedule I substance for the purposes of trafficking.
They are scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Thursday.
Three others who had been identified in Project Zafiro turned themselves in to police on Jan. 24.
Watts said the drugs will be incinerated after the judicial process concludes.
Edward Djan is a breaking news reporter working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @EdwardDjan1
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