By Nick Fearns
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—A joint police operation called Project Catfish has resulted in the arrests of 11 people, including four from Dunnville.
The operation, conducted as a partnership by members of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Burlington Street Crime Unit and the Haldimand County OPP Street Crime Unit, targeted a drug trafficking network operating in Halton Region and the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.
On September 5, 2024 multiple police units carried out nine search warrants at the same time. Hamilton Police Service, Toronto Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service, and Niagara Regional Police Service helped with serving the warrants.
The following items were seized:
- 2 loaded Smith and Wesson handguns
- 1 Glock firearm with serial number defaced
- Ammunition and a prohibited drum magazine
- 2 crossbows
- 4 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 3 kilograms of cocaine
- 115 grams of oxycodone
- 950 grams of fentanyl
- $120,000 in Canadian currency
- 2 vehicles
Constable Patti Cote, Media Relations Officer for Haldimand OPP, told The Haldimand Press that the total street value of the drugs seized by police was approximately $700,000.
In total, 11 people were arrested and are facing 56 charges, including four people from Dunnville.
A 34-year-old man from Dunnville was held in custody following a bail hearing and is facing the following charges:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl)
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Careless storage of a firearm
- Fail to Comply – Release Order (4 counts)
- Possession of a firearm, ammunition contrary to prohibition order (5 counts)
A 39-year-old woman from Dunnville held in custody pending a bail hearing is facing:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl)
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a firearm, ammunition contrary to prohibition order
- Careless storage of a firearm
A 19-year-old from Dunnville was released from custody pending a court appearance and charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl)
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
A 35-year-old woman from Dunnville was released from custody pending a court appearance and is charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
“The trafficking of illicit substances into our communities is related to the rise in drug poisonings, which we know can lead to tragic outcomes. Similarly, trafficking and possessing firearms is a direct threat to public safety,” said Detective Sergeant Derek Moyes of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau. “The results of Project Catfish clearly demonstrate our commitment to collaborate with our policing partners and hold those who participate in these criminal acts accountable.”
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 Joint Forces investigation.
“The OPP’s priority is public safety, so by combating drug trafficking it will disrupt the flow of harmful substances coming into our county, therefore reducing the overall threat to our communities,” said Cote. “This joint investigation is a great example of collaboration with our policing partners, and ultimately holds the individuals involved accountable.”
Provincial Constable Jeff Dillon, Media Relations Officer for the Halton Regional Police Service, said the two Dunnville residents held in custody have a Milton court date set for October 11, 2024.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
