PROJECT MATRIX: Gun and drug trafficking investigation leads to 44 arrests in Toronto
· Toronto Sun
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An investigation launched last winter in the city’s east end has led to the seizure of illegal firearms and illicit drugs as well as the arrests of 44 people.
But the public is unable to know the identities of the 44 accused because Toronto Police have made the bizarre decision not to release their names.
Police say Project Matrix, launched by 55 Division Major Crime Unit officers on March 1, is a “coordinated enforcement initiative” that targeted illegal firearms, drug trafficking and related criminal activity in the community.
“The project brought together several investigations involving individuals allegedly engaged in firearms and drug-related offences throughout the division,” police said in a statement released Wednesday. “As a result of the investigation, 44 people were arrested and charged with 187 firearms and drug-related offences.”
Illegal guns and illicit drugs seized
Police investigators also seized eight illegal firearms, 792 rounds of ammunition and “significant quantities” of drugs that included cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin and LSD.
While police typically release the names of those arrested and list the charges each accused person faces, Toronto Police have simply stated the “most common” charges laid in Project Matrix include breach of probation, careless use, handling or storage of a firearm, possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
“As these cases are before the courts, further identifying information is not being released,” police said in their news release.
Police explained Project Matrix aims to address crime and disorder, improve public safety, and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and visit the 55 Division community, east-end neighbourhoods such as the Beaches, Danforth, South Riverdale and parts of East York.
“Public safety is our priority, and that means taking decisive action against the criminal activity that impacts our communities,” Det.-Sgt. Andy Johnstone, of the 55 Division Major Crime Unit, said in the news release. “This initiative will continue, with investigators focused on identifying, disrupting and holding accountable those involved in illegal firearms and drug trafficking.”
“We will remain relentless in these efforts,” he added.
Supt. David Correa, 55 Division’s Unit Commander, said his officers are “committed” to working with their community and policing partners to “keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
“We will continue to target crime and disorder while addressing the concerns that matter most to the people who live, work and visit our communities,” he added.