Halton Regional Police have seized drugs and guns and laid dozens of charges against three men after a lengthy investigation across the GTA.
Recommended Videos
Project Medusa, a multi-month investigation focused on the distribution of illicit drugs, primarily cocaine, in Halton Region and elsewhere in the GTA led to the arrests of three males on Oct. 17 and 18 after four search warrants were executed.
Among the nine firearms seized were a loaded 9mm Kel Tec carbine with a high-capacity magazine; a loaded 9mm Springfield Hellcat; a loaded 9mm Glock 26 with the serial number removed; loaded and unloaded .45-calibre Glock 43s; a 9mm Glock 19; a 9mm Glock 23; a 9mm P80 ghost gun; and a 9mm Glock 21. About 250 rounds of ammunition were also seized.
Among the drugs seized were 7 kg of cocaine, 0.5 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 0.5 kg of fentanyl, 114 g of ketamine, 678 oxycodone tablets, 38 benzocaine tablets, numerous cutting agents and manufacturing materials for fentanyl.
Three men face a combined 85 charges in relation to this investigation with more charges expected.
Trevor Beriault, 33, of North York, faces 19 drug trafficking-related charges; Abdulwahab Shiekh, 28, of North York, faces 65 charges in relation to weapons trafficking, firearms offences, including breach of prohibition orders, and drug trafficking; and Michael Estrada Souza, 31, of Toronto, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime.
Police also seized a stolen, re-VINed Mercedes that was being operated by one of the accused along with about $60,000 in bundled currency.
“Project Medusa exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the Halton Regional Police Service to community safety,” Supt. Dave Stewart of the Regional Investigative Services, said in a statement.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
“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.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact 905-825-4747, Ext. 5331. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or haltoncrimestoppers.ca.