The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested a Toronto man following a drug investigation.
On Wednesday, February 22nd, members of the HRPS Drug Unit and Intelligence Bureau arrested 30-year-old Zachary Ardizzi. At the time of the arrest, investigators also seized 23 kilograms of cocaine.
A Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was later executed at a Toronto condominium complex where psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and more than $13,000 in Canadian currency were seized.
Ardizzi faces two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine, psilocybin).
He appeared in court on Thursday, February 23rd.
The wholesale value of the cocaine seized is roughly $1,250,000. View a video of the seizure here.
“This is a significant seizure of illicit drugs,” says Deputy Chief of Regional Operations, Jeff Hill. “This amount of cocaine poses a real danger to the public. Drug interdiction and holding those that place our community at risk accountable, is a high priority for our service. We are committed to the safety and security of our region.”
The HRPS has responded to 74 suspected drug poisonings to date in 2023, of which five were fatal.
Community safety is a shared responsibility. We urge anyone who can provide information regarding the trafficking of illicit drugs to call the Drug and Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4777 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.
