Peel Regional Police in Ontario arrested nine people following a year-long investigation into a cocaine smuggling ring that used commercial trucking routes between the U.S. and Canada, officials announced on June 10, 2025.
The bust: The operation, called Project Pelican, led to the seizure of 479 kilograms of cocaine, valued at roughly $48 million, making it the largest drug seizure in the department’s history.
- The investigation began in June 2024. By November, law enforcement had tied several trucking companies and storage locations to the scheme.
- Two major busts happened at border crossings: 127 kilograms of cocaine were found in a truck at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, while another 50 kilograms were seized at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward.
- Police said some arrests in the Toronto area also involved suspects carrying loaded handguns.
Who was arrested: Nine men from Ontario face a total of 35 charges including drug and firearms offenses. The group ranges in age from 27 to 44 years old, with connections to cities like Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, and Toronto.
Authorities worked with the Canada Border Services Agency, the DEA, and U.S. Homeland Security during the probe. “Together, we are committed to dismantling organized crime groups and keeping harmful drugs out of our communities,” said Michael Prosia from CBSA, according to Peel Regional Police.
This bust was funded in part by the Ontario government and support from Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. The accused were all held for bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.