Nearly 100 charges were laid by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) in a lengthy investigation called Project Medusa.
The multi-month firearms and drug investigation focused on the distribution of illicit drugs, primarily cocaine, in Halton region and the surrounding GTA. Throughout the course of the investigation, individuals suspected to be involved in illicit sales of drugs were identified and between Thursday, October 17th and Friday, October 18th, three men were arrested.
Four search warrants were also executed in the Toronto area, as a result of the investigation the following was seized:
Drugs
- 7 kilograms of cocaine
- 1/2 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine
- 1/2 kilogram fentanyl
- 114 grams of ketamine
- 678 Oxycodone tablets
- 38 Benzocaine tablets
- Numerous cutting agents and manufacturing materials for fentanyl
Firearms
- A loaded 9mm carbine with high capacity magazine – Kel Tec
- A loaded 9 mm – Springfield Hellcat
- A loaded 9 mm – Glock 26 with (serial number removed)
- A loaded 45 Cal – Glock 43
- 45 Cal – Glock 43
- 9 mm – Glock 19
- 9 mm – Glock 23
- 9 mm – P80 handgun (Ghost gun)
- 9 mm – Glock 21
- Approximately 250 Rounds of ammunition
Police also seized a stolen re-vinned Mercedes that was being operated by one of the accused along with roughly $60,000 in bundled currency.
The following men face a combined 85 charges in relation to this investigation and further charges are anticipated.
- 33-year-old Trevor Beriualt of North York – 19 charges in regards to drug trafficking.
- 28-year-old Abdulwahab Shiekh of North York- 65 charges in regards to weapons trafficking, firearms offences including the breach of two firearms prohibition orders and drug trafficking.
- 31-year-old Michael Estrada Souza of Toronto – 1 charge in regards to possession of property obtained by crime.
“Project Medusa exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the Halton Regional Police Service to community safety,” says Superintendent Dave Stewart of Regional Investigative Services. “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 regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Regional Drug and Organized Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 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.
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