Halton police seize $5M in drugs, make largest meth bust in service history

The drugs seized by Halton Regional Police (HRPS photo).

Two men from Brampton and Mississauga have been arrested in connection to the “largest methamphetamine seizure” in Halton Region history worth an estimated $5 million.

In a news release, officials say the probe, dubbed “Project Jester” began earlier this year and focused on “a network of individuals believed to be involved in the importation and distribution of illicit substances within the GTA.” It also included “criminal intelligence” from officers at the Waterloo police service.

On March 27, police say officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle headed towards Quebec where they found “a large quantity of illicit drugs.”

Two months later, on May 7, police say another stop was conducted in Brampton where investigators also located a “significant amount of illicit drugs.”

Following the discovery of drugs, officers say they later executed a search warrant at a commercial building used to process and package the drugs.

There, they say they found 20 kilograms of cocaine and 273 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated combined street value of $5 million. The service says the methamphetamine seizure is the largest in Halton police history.

As a result, 36-year-old Taleb Saleh of Mississauga, has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Meanwhile, 33-year-old Sukhveer Birring of Brampton has been charged with four offences, including two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine.

None of the charges have been tested in court but police say both men were held in custody pending bail hearings in Milton, Ont.

“This investigation reflects the dedication of law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and dismantle criminal operations,” Deputy Chief Jeff Hill said in a statement.

“The individuals involved in this trafficking network will face the full consequences of their actions, and we will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities.”