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Ontario and B.C. police conduct major organized crime and drug seizures
Unsealed documents from the Project South investigation reveal that Toronto police Constable Timothy Barnhardt is accused of planning to facilitate illegal cannabis dispensaries and erotic massage parlours. Allegations suggest Barnhardt intended to protect these black market sites by providing advance notice of inspections, coordinating cash bribes to law enforcement, and utilizing police databases to evade enforcement. Investigators also claim Barnhardt provided confidential information used in a suspected murder plot against a correctional officer.
In separate enforcement actions, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) dismantled an illicit online cannabis operation known as ‘420 Highway’. The investigation led to the seizure of over $366,000 in cannabis products, equipment, and cash, resulting in charges against four men from Windsor and Sarnia.
In British Columbia, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) seized approximately 19 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and two loaded firearms following a gang-related incident in Victoria where a shot was discharged. Additionally, an RCMP investigation in the Trail and Castlegar areas led to the seizure of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and explosive materials, resulting in charges against two men.
Entities
Brian Da Costa · Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia · Ontario Provincial Police · Project South · Timothy Barnhardt · Toronto Police Service · York Region Police
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Barnhardt allegedly agreed to provide advance notice of inspections and coordinate cash bribes to police and bylaw officers. 1059theregion.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Timothy Barnhardt allegedly planned to help establish and operate illegal cannabis dispensaries and erotic massage parlours in Toronto. 1059theregion.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police seized approximately 19 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and two loaded firearms during a Victoria investigation. cheknews.ca · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The '420 Highway' investigation resulted in the seizure of over $366,000 worth of cannabis products, equipment, and cash. sarnianewstoday.ca · windsornewstoday.ca · globalnews.ca
- [● 2 SOURCES] Project South investigation uncovered allegations of bribery, conspiracy to commit murder, and drug trafficking. 1059theregion.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A drug trafficking investigation in Trail and Castlegar led to the seizure of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and explosives. trailtimes.ca
- [● 2 SOURCES] Barnhardt allegedly used confidential information to assist in a suspected murder plot against a correctional officer. 1059theregion.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com