Police seize $250K of fentanyl, charge 73 people in street gang investigation

Toronto police say they're confident several "violent gang members" will go to jail after an eight-month, GTA-wide investigationthat led to 73 people beingcharged and some $390,000 worth of narcoticsseized.

Deputy Chief James Ramer gave an update Friday morning on Project Kraken, a co-ordinated effort involving hundreds of officers and 12 police services thattargeted a"coordinated criminal organization."called the Chester Le gang.

The Chester Le gang reachedacross the GTA and were involved in "extensive gun and drug activity," Raymer said.

Some members ran an"extensive" drug trafficking network, Raymer said, which distributedpredominantlyfentanyl toThunder Bay, Sudbury andPeterborough.

Numerous gang members committed "brazen armed robberies," Reymeralleged, with a "callous disregard for public safety."

There were two alleged robberies where tow truck driverssmashed throughjewelry stores, Reymer said, and guns were discharged.

The Project Kraken investigation focused on the Chester Le gang, as well as its members' association with people "having ties to more traditional organized crime," said Raymer.

Tow trucks driving into jewelry stores

A total of 73 people now face charges, Reymer said, with arrests across Toronto,Hamilton, South Simcoe, Peel, York andDurham region.

Policelaid atotal of 599charges, including forparticipating in a criminal organization, drugs and firearms-related offences, and robberies.

Raymer said police have significantly disrupted the gang's operations heiarchy.

Police seized$250,000 offentanyland $85,000 worth of firearms during the ongoing investigation, which led to early morning raids across the GTAon Thursday.

Community town halls on gangs

Police said they seized more than 1,050 grams of cocaine, 1,100 grams of fentanyl, 1,100 grams of Clonazepam and 840 grams of Percocet, among other drugs.

Police also seized23 firearms,which were on display at the press conference Friday, as well ascash, stun guns and body armour.

Some guns were seized from tow truck operators, who were armed and prepared to shoot other drivers over an ongoing territory battle, Reymer said.

The gunand gangs unit will host31 community town hall meetings in various neighbourhoods this fall, aiming to educate people on gangs, resources and programs.

Chief of Police Mark Saunders announced some details of the investigation on Thursday.

Police arrested 37 people in the early morning hours on Thursday as they executed numerous search warrants across the GTA.Another 43 people had previously been arrested as part of the investigation.

Reymer said the investigation will have a"direct and positive impact on communities throughout the GTA."